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Rustem Pasha Mosque

The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is located in an old and busy market area of Eminönü neighborhood, by the Golden Horn. The mosque was built between 1550-1561 by Rüstem Pasha, a Grand Vizier and son-in-law of sultan Süleyman 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 Rüstem 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 Rüstem 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. The mosque was under restoration for 3 years between 2017-2020, then re-opened to visits.

Rüstem Pasa Camii (Mosque)
Hasircilar Çarsisi
Tahtakale - Istanbul

Hope to see you soon in Istanbul.