The Rustem Pasha Mosque - Istanbul

The R�stem Pasha Mosque is located in an old and busy market area of Emin�n� neighborhood, by the Golden Horn. The mosque was built between 1550-1561 by R�stem Pasha, a Grand Vizier and son-in-law of sultan S�leyman the Magnificent. Its architect was Sinan, the great imperial architect who also built Suleyman's Mosque nearby. The mosque was damaged in the Great Fire of 1666 and the earthquake of 1776, but restored afterwards.

The R�stem Pasha mosque is well known for its beautiful Iznik (Nicea) tiles of the 16th century, covering entire walls, mihrab and mimbar areas as well. It has an octagonal plan, sitting on a high platform over several old shops where you can reach by spiral stairs. There is a single minaret and a central dome resting on 4 semi-domes with 74 windows around them. These semi-domes and arches are supported by octagonal columns called as "elephant feet" (Fil Ayagi in Turkish).

The R�stem Pasha mosque is one of the most exquisite Ottoman mosques in Istanbul, despite its small size. When you enter inside after taking the shoes off, you'll be amazed by the vivid colors and floral or geometrical designs of the valuable Iznik tiles (over 2.300 pieces), which some of them were stolen during the centuries.

R�stem Pasa Camii (Mosque)
Hasircilar �arsisi
Tahtakale - Istanbul

Open daily except prayer times

Hope to see you soon in Istanbul.