Laleli Mosque

The Beauty of Laleli Mosque

Istanbul is certainly known for its many beautiful mosques, and most of these are still functioning mosques even today. Despite the fact that many of these buildings of religious importance are thousands of years old, dating back to the early Ottoman Era, they stand today as a reminder of history, culture, and of course the importance of religion in the country.

Choosing a mosque to go to can be difficult. There are many, and there are also many of significance. Fatih is one of the oldest parts of Istanbul, and here you will find historical buildings almost everywhere you look! One of those buildings is the beautiful Laleli Mosque.

Nicknamed ‘Tulip Mosque’, Laleli Mosque is located in the Laleli part of Fatih, and this is where you can also see a lot of authentic, everyday Istanbul life, away from the tourist madness that exists almost everywhere else! The mosque is a baroque inspired mosque, which served as an imperial mosque during the Ottoman Empire. The mosque complex is certainly very well preserved, and well worth a visit to find out more about history, gaze upon the architecture, and also to experience the serenity and peace that comes from visiting a building such as this.

The History of Laleli Mosque

Laleli Mosque was built in 1760, and completed four years later, in 1764. It was ordered by Sultan Mustafa the 3rd, and involved two architects over two separate periods, Kara Ahmed Agha, and Mehmet Tahir Agha.

Laleli Mosque is actually named after Laleli Baba, a person of holy significance in the area. The mosque was named after him because the Sultan himself liked this man a great deal, and today you can visit the mausoleum of Laleli Baba, around 200 metres from the mosque itself.

The complex is quite large and comprises of a bazaar, many shops, fountains, mausoleum, madrasah, caravansary, and also a disorderly house. Some of the complex’s buildings were destroyed in a fire in 1782, and underwent several renovations, with the last one being in 2007, when a huge clean up operation occurred to remove and repair some of the old marble sections of the building.

Laleli Mosque’s Architecture

Even on first glance you can see that Laleli Mosque is typical baroque style, in-keeping with the Ottoman times, however there are slightly different details here and there which give it a little extra personality and beauty.

The inner and outer courtyards of the mosque complex are connected with steps made of marble, and around the outer courtyard there are fourteen columns which are also made of marble. The ablution fountain is inside the inner courtyard and is stunningly beautiful to look at.

The mosque itself has a huge dome, with the main dome supported by six smaller domes, to create a beautiful effect. The Mihrab is made of marble and there are decorative sections made with mother of pearl dotted around. When the mosque was originally built, there was one minaret, however a second minaret was added shortly after construction.

Visiting Laleli Mosque

The Fatih district of Istanbul is very easy to reach, especially via tram, however it is walkable if you are staying in Sultanahmet in particular.

Remember, when you visit a mosque that you must pay attention to mosque etiquette. During prayer times the mosque will be closed to visitors, and when you enter you must remove your shoes. Women will need to cover their head, and everyone should wear modest clothing, e.g. arms and legs covered. When you are inside, remember to be quite and respectful, and not to walk in front of any worshipers who are praying. Do not stare, simply take in the beauty of the building and the serene feeling inside. Also keep photography to a minimum and remove flash, as this is disrespectful to those praying inside the mosque.

Whilst there is no entrance fee to visit Laleli Mosque, it is polite to leave a small donation if you can. This will go towards the upkeep of the mosque and will be greatly appreciated.

Of course, you could also check out some of the other areas of importance around the Fatih and Sultanahmet district. One day probably won’t be enough, as this is one of the oldest parts of the city, and that means plenty to see and do. Of course, the beautiful Blue Mosque is located in Sultanahmet, and just opposite you will find Hagia Sofia. The Grand Bazaar is also close by, and there are countless delicious and authentic Turkish restaurants to try too.