Turkey is a country extremely rich in history, culture and heritage, dating back to prehistoric times. The majority of Turkish society professes Islam: the profession of faith in the one God Allah, five times a day prayer, fasting during the month of Ramadan, alms giving to the poor and pilgrimage to Mecca are some of the tenets of this religion. Mosques are much more than just a prayer hall. They are a sign of the rich culture of this place and a remnant of the great empires that ruled here. Discover mosques as the most beautiful architectural structures!
Hagia Sophia Mosque (Istanbul)
Hagia Sophia is a renowned architectural gem in Istanbul. With its awe-inspiring grand dome, intricate mosaics, and fusion of Byzantine and Islamic elements, the Hagia Sophia is a standing testament to human creativity, resilience, and the harmonious coexistence of different civilizations.
Blue Mosque – Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Istanbul)
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) – Admire the interior of the mosque with its carved tiles and painted glass windows. Other decorative elements include geometric stripes and organic medallions. It is one of the last and greatest examples of the so-called “classical period” of Islamic art in Turkey.
The Grand Mosque (Bursa)
The Bursa Grand Mosque built in the Seljuk style, it was ordered by the Ottoman Sultan Bayezid I and built between 1396 and 1399 CE. The mosque has 20 domes and 2 minarets. The Grand Mosque of Bursa is one of the most prominent landmark and mosque in Turkey.
Kocatepe Mosque (Ankara)
The Kocatepe Mosque is the largest mosque in Ankara, this architectural masterpiece is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of the city’s rich history and cultural heritage. Standing 288 ft (70 meters) tall, the four minarets of the mosque and its gorgeous gold-plated dome are a mesmerising view.
Sabanci Central Mosque (Adana)
The second largest mosque in Turkey, the Sabancı Central Mosque, has been welcoming visitors since 1998. The mosque is located in Merkez (Central) Park, the largest park in Adana, and lies on the Seyhan River. The amazing architecture of the mosque with 6 minarets attracts the attention of every visitor.
Selimiye Mosque (Edirne)
Selim Mosque, a monumental mosque, is considered the masterpiece of the great Ottoman architect Sinan. The mosque sits on the top of a hill and dominates the city’s skyline. The square Mosque with its single great dome and four slender minarets, dominates the skyline of the former Ottoman capital of Edirne.
Rüstem Paşa Mosque (Istanbul)
The Rustem Paşa Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii) is a hidden gem. Issued for Suleiman the Magnificent’s son-in-law, his daughter Mihrmah – Rüstem Pasha. Sinan began work on this Mosque four years after the construction of the Suleimaniye Mosque.
Divriği Grand Mosque and Hospital (Divriği)
The Great Mosque and Hospital of Divriği are masterpieces of Islamic architecture. The ornately decorated mosque and the medical complex are recognized for their exquisite carvings and architecture. The geometrical and floral patterned reliefs found on the main door are of great interest. The Seljuk architect probably was inspired by Armenian and Georgian constructions.
