Rustem Pasha Mosque

A Hidden Gem – Rustem Pasha Mosque

Istanbul is packed with hidden gems which deserve to be unearthed. Whilst most of the huge attractions draw the crowds and entrance queues, these smaller, less well known attractions allow visitors to explore without the inconvenience of too many people milling around, and of course, mean you don’t have to stand in line for too long at the door!

Rustem Pasha Mosque is one of those beautiful hidden gems, and a spot you should certainly seek out during your trip to Istanbul.

About Rustem Pasha Mosque

Many people describe Rustem Pasha Mosque as a smaller version of the famous Blue Mosque, mainly because of the stunning tiles which adorn the inside. These tiles date back as far as the 16th century, and give a truly decorative and spectacular look to the mosque itself.

The downside of visiting Rustem Pasha Mosque is the it isn’t as easy to find as it’s more famous counterpart, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t try! The mosque is located in the very busy Eminonu area, which means it is very close to some major areas of importance, as well as being right on the scenic Golden Horn. With a little insider knowledge (more on that shortly), you’ll be able to find the mosque without any problems.

Rustem Pasha Mosque is the work of the famous architect of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan. Unfortunately Sinan died before the mosque itself was completed in 1563, but it still retains the original planned design, and is one of his greatest pieces of work. The inside of the mosque is really what most visitors stand in awe at, with those beautiful Iznik tiles in a range of blue hues and patterns. It really is a wonderful sight to see.

The great Suleyman The Magnificent ordered the mosque to be built, and his partnership with Mimar Sinan is what gives this mosque its fascinating history. Of course, other pieces of Sinan’s work include the famous Suleymaniye Mosque and Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, to name just two. Just gazing at the outers of all of these mosques will show you the intricacy which Sinan put into his work, and really will show you the type of Ottoman architecture which was famous at the time.

Visiting Rustem Pasha Mosque

Rustem Pasha Mosque is open every day from 10am until 6pm, however remember that this is a functioning mosque, so it will be closed during prayer times, and more so during religious holidays, such as Ramadan. There is no entrance fee to visit Rustem Pasha Mosque, however donations are greatly received, and will ensure the upkeep of this beautiful mosque for many more years to come.

We mentioned that it’s not so easy to find Rustem Pasha Mosque, but this information should help you. When you reach Eminonu, you will see the huge New Mosque (Yeni Camii) on the main road/waterside. You should walk directly past this, as though you are going towards the Spice Market (signposted) but when you see a large coffee shop, turn right up the small road. Continue onwards and you will see the mosque on your right, up some stairs. There is also a market next to the mosque, which should make it easier to find, and is also worth a browse around after you have been inside the mosque itself.

Of course, Eminonu is a spot worth exploring, so be sure to stick around and discover more about this ancient part of the city, once you’ve visited Rustem Pasha Mosque for yourself. The waterside is packed with floating restaurants serving balik ekmek, which is fish in bread, and one of the most delicious snacks you’ll ever taste! If you prefer a more sit down meal, there are many seafood restaurants directly underneath the huge Galata Bridge, and you’ll get a stunning location to eat, with amazing views right over the Golden Horn, and down the Bosphorus. If you eat during sunset, you’ll also be witness to that famous golden glow, which gives the area its name.

You could also continue up towards Sultanahmet, either on foot or by bus or tram. The tram stops in the centre of Eminonu and continues up towards Sultanahmet itself. If the weather is pleasant, you could simply walk and enjoy the scenery. It should take you less than half an hour to reach the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia, and you could always call in to Gulhane Park on the way, to check out another spot of extreme importance and beauty in history!