Istanbul’s Most Beautiful Mosques to Visit

Istanbul is one of the few cities in the world that have the capacity to charm the world with the fusion of ancient empires and modern elegance. Being the cultural and spiritual center of Turkey, Istanbul is the home of numerous architectural miracles, yet its mosques could be really considered as the reflection of its history and soul. These works of Ottoman architecture are centuries of religious beliefs, craftsmanship and culture. Whether it is the towering domes that seem to crown the city on the image or the elaborate mosaics and marble courtyards that encourage the person to contemplate and reflect, the beautiful mosques in Istanbul are not only about prayer but also representation of art, architecture and heritage.

In case you are a lover of history, a lover of architecture or a tourist in need of spiritual calmness, the magnificent tour of the magnificent mosques of Istanbul is an interesting time travel. To the tourists who visit the UAE, and more so to those who are taken on the Istanbul Holiday Packages from Dubai, these grand mosques are a must visit on their itinerary list. We will explore the most classic and spectacular mosques that characterize the eternal skyline of Istanbul.

Here are the Istanbul’s Most Beautiful Mosques to Visit 

1. The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

The Blue Mosque is one of the world-known beautiful mosques of Istanbul that cannot be mentioned in a list. A mosque that was constructed by Sultan Ahmed I in the early years of the 17 th century is one of the most popular landmarks in Turkey. It is called so because of the hypnotizing blue Iznik tiles that cover its interior walls. The mosque has six tall towering minarets with its massive dome at the center forming an impressive silhouette which is seen at almost all angles of the Old City.

The entrance welcomes the visitors with overpowering calmness and splendor. The decoration of the tiles, the indirect light, which passes through hundreds of stained-glass windows, and the rhythmical intonation of prayers make the feeling of the deep spirituality. This is one place that you must visit in case you happen to be in Istanbul in one of the Istanbul Holiday Packages out of Dubai, as this is an ideal place to visit, to showcase the Ottoman craftsmanship and piety.

2. Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya-i Kebir Cami-i Şerifi)

With the beginning of its construction as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 AD, the Hagia Sophia has become a witness of the evolution of Istanbul throughout centuries. Hagia Sophia can be considered a representation of the many-layered, multi-faceted history of Istanbul as once a church, then a mosque, then a museum, and then a mosque again. Its tremendous dome, which was revolutionary in its time, appears miraculously to be suspended above the great hall, on to which it leans, with concealed pillars and arches.

Hagia Sophia is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul due to the mixture of Christian mosaics and the Islamic calligraphy inside depicting the unity of civilizations. Its great size and architectural brilliance often leave the visitors speechless. History, art and spirituality come together here, and thus it is part of every Istanbul Holiday Package itinerary of Dubai.

3. Süleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye Mosque is located on the Third Hill of the city and is the highest building that dominates the skyline of the city with its elegant and graceful appearance. This mosque was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the magnificent and was structured by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in the 16 th century.

The inside decor is characterized by light and space which brings out a feeling of serenity and reflection. It is a memorable experience, outside, there are green courtyards, fountains and superb views of the Golden Horn. Most of the visitors call it one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul not only because of architecture, but also because of its calmness that is not typical of the city.

4. Ortaköy Mosque (Büyük Mecidiye Camii)

Ortakoy Mosque is one of the most picturesque locations in Istanbul that is framed by the Bosphorus Bridge. It was constructed in the 19 th century with a more modern Baroque-style architecture, unlike the classical Ottoman designs. The fancy exterior of the mosque and the reflection on the waters of the Bosphorus are the portions that attract most photographers and tourists.

The mosque also has beautiful marble carvings, crystal chandeliers and huge windows that can enable natural light to illuminate the prayer hall. It has a scenic location and is one of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul that you should not ignore, particularly when you are on Istanbul Holiday Package in Dubai with a cruise on the Bosphorus or the tour of the water front.

5. Fatih Mosque

The Fatih Mosque stands as one of the most historically important religious buildings in Istanbul named after Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror who conquered the city in 1453. It is located at the place of the old Church of the Holy Apostles and is the central location of the Fatih area. The mosque complex comprises schools, baths, libraries, and markets, as the Ottoman were keen on the life of the community.

The architecture of the mosque is strong and elegant with the twin minarets and grand dome that take full control of the skyline. Fatih Mosque is worth a visit to get an idea about early Ottoman architecture and religious commitment that drew the identity of Istanbul. It is surely one of the beautiful mosques of Istanbul that should be visited due to the strong historical background.

6. Eyüp Sultan Mosque

Eyup Sultan Mosque is a very religiously significant structure, which is located just close to the Golden Horn. It is believed that this was the burial place of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad. World pilgrims visit here to offer their obeisances and have blessings. The architectural design of the mosque, the green court and calm atmosphere of the place make it a quiet escape out of the city.

This is a sacred place, which has been left as one of the beautiful mosques in Istanbul that depicts faith as well as tradition. Eyup Sultan Mosque is a very soulful place to visit by visitors who are in need of spiritual reflection as part of their Istanbul Holiday Packages in Dubai.

Conclusion:

Learning the beautiful mosques in Istanbul is not just a sightseeing achievement, but a spiritual and cultural experience whereby centuries of history, faith and artwork are engulfed in the process. Every mosque has its narrative, the majesty of Hagia Sophia and calmness of Süleymaniye or the beauty of romance of Ortakoy. The collection of them is the living tapestry of the distinctive Istanbul identity of the East East and the divine and the sublime.

Istanbul Holiday Packages from Dubai is the most ideal destination that travelers can consider when they want to make their next vacation full of the spiritual heritage of this magical city. No matter the time you pay a visit to this city, be it in search of architectural marvels, history, or just to unwind, Istanbul mosques will leave a permanent mark on your heart. Therefore, visiting this magical city with Go Kite Travel, do not forget to enter these historic temples - the real gems of the soul of Istanbul.