Rustem Pasha Mosque

The Rustem Pasha Mosque (in Turkish: Rüstem Paşa Camii) dates to 1560. It was designed by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan and was the first time he employed an octagonal layout.

It’s not the grandest mosque and deliberately makes no attempt to try to upstage the much larger Süleymaniye Mosque that towers on the hill above. Instead, it’s nestled in a bustling market area near the Spice Market in Eminonu. Instead, the mosque’s wealthy benefactor, Rüstem Pasha, a son-in-law of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent (1520-1566), focused on details, especially on the interior decorations.

The colored tiles used inside are a particular highlight. They were produced during the golden age of Iznik tiling. Because red was hard to glaze into a tile at the time, its use here was particularly distinctive.

Photos of Rustem Pasha Mosque

More About Rustem Pasha Mosque in Istanbul

• Designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan
• Completed in 1563, commissioned by Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha
• Features exquisite İznik tilework with a variety of floral and geometric patterns
• Built on a high terrace with a complex of shops beneath it
• Contains a single central dome, surrounded by smaller domes and semi-domes

Rustem Pasha Mosque, located in the Hasırcılar neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey, is an architectural masterpiece designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. Commissioned by Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha, the mosque was completed in 1563. One of the most remarkable aspects of the mosque is its exquisite İznik tilework, which features a variety of floral and geometric patterns that adorn both the interior and exterior.

The mosque’s unique design includes a single central dome surrounded by smaller domes and semi-domes. Rustem Pasha Mosque is built on a high terrace, with a complex of shops beneath it, providing both a panoramic view of the city and an innovative way to generate funds for the mosque’s upkeep.

The interior of the mosque is characterized by its spaciousness and simplicity, with minimal ornamentation. The prayer hall is supported by four large piers and has a mihrab (prayer niche) made of marble. In addition to its stunning tilework and architectural design, Rustem Pasha Mosque also houses the tomb of Rüstem Pasha and his wife Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

What’s Nearby to Istanbul’s Rustem Pasha Mosque

• Suleymaniye Mosque
• Grand Bazaar
• Spice Bazaar
• Istanbul University
• Beyazit Tower

How to Get to Rustem Pasha Mosque

• Located in the Hasırcılar neighborhood of Istanbul, Turkey
• Nearest airport: Istanbul Airport (IST)
• Nearest public transport hub: Eminönü Tram Station (T1 Line)

Want to Read More About Istanbul?

Istanbul is a city of extraordinary depth and history. If you’re looking to dive deeper, here are some books worth a look. (Some are also available as audiobooks—great for a long flight or train ride.)

Istanbul: Memories and the City, by Orhan Pamuk

In this memoir, the Nobel Prize-winning Turkish author reflects on his childhood and youth in Istanbul, offering a rich portrayal of the city’s history, culture, and ever-changing landscape.

The Innocents Abroad, by Mark Twain

This classic travelogue follows Mark Twain as he journeys through Europe and the Holy Land, including a visit to Istanbul, which he captures with his trademark wit and humor.

Strolling Through Istanbul: The Classic Guide to the City, by Hilary Sumner-Boyd and John Freely

This comprehensive guide and travelogue takes readers on a historical and cultural journey through Istanbul, detailing its most famous landmarks and hidden gems.

The Bridge on the Drina, by Ivo Andrić

This historical novel, by a winner of the Nobel Prize for literature, is set in the Ottoman Empire. It tells the story of the construction of the famous Mehmed Paša Sokolović Bridge in Višegrad, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the lives of the people who lived around it. While not set in Istanbul specifically, it offers a window into the wider region’s history and Ottoman influence.

A Fez of the Heart: Travels Around Turkey in Search of a Hat, by Jeremy Seal

This travelogue follows the author’s journey through Turkey, including a visit to Istanbul, as he explores the country’s history, culture, and politics, all while searching for the once-iconic fez hat.

The Birds Have Also Gone, by Yashar Kemal

In this novel, set in Istanbul, the author tells the story of three boys who capture and sell pigeons in the city, offering a unique perspective on the city’s rapidly changing landscape and the challenges faced by its inhabitants.

The Towers of Trebizond, by Rose Macaulay

This satirical travelogue (i.e., a novel) follows the narrator as she embarks on an eccentric journey to Istanbul and the ancient city of Trebizond, exploring themes of love, religion, and the clash of cultures.

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