5 Beautiful Mosques in Istanbul Designed by Architect Sinan

We listed for you the 5 most beautiful mosques in Istanbul built by Architect (Mimar) Sinan of Ottoman Empire.

Sokullu Mehmed Pasha Mosque, Kadirga

The Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque was designed by the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan in 1571, commissioned by Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha and his wife, Ismihan Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Selim II and granddaughter of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The mosque is famous for its use of actual pieces from the Ka’aba in Mecca, which were incorporated into its mihrab and mimber. Inside, the mosque is adorned with stunning Iznik tiles featuring intricate floral patterns in blue, red, and green, as well as panels of white thuluth calligraphy on a blue background. The stained-glass windows are also exceptional. The mosque is uniquely situated on a steep slope, and Sinan solved this challenge by adding a two-storey courtyard in front.

Rustem Pasha Mosque, Eminonu

Tucked away in the backstreets near Eminönu Square, the Rustem Pasha Mosque was built by Sinan in 1563 for Rustem Pasha, the Grand Vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent. Often referred to as a smaller, quieter version of the Blue Mosque, this mosque is renowned for its stunning İznik tile decorations. It boasts the largest collection of 16th-century Iznik tiles in the world. The mosque is a hidden gem, located on a bustling street near the Spice Bazaar. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a vibrant display of colors, as if stepping into a paradise garden. It was commissioned by Rustem Paşa’s wife, Princess Mihrimah, the daughter of Suleiman, who chose to commemorate her husband with this beautiful garden-like interior.

Sehzade Mehmet Mosque, Fatih

The Sehzade Mehmet Mosque was commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in honor of his son Mehmet, who tragically died of smallpox at the age of 22. Built between 1544 and 1555, it was Sinan’s first major sultanic mosque and remains one of his most ambitious works. The complex includes a mosque, madrasa, hospice, school, and several mausolea. The mosque’s elegant minarets and the octagonal mausoleum of Prince Mehmet are highlights, while the interior features simple yet refined decoration. Despite Sinan’s own view of the mosque as a work of apprenticeship, many scholars consider it to be one of his masterpieces.

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Edirnekapı

Sinan’s work on the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Edirnekapi, built in the 1560s, is one of his most significant contributions to Istanbul’s skyline. Commissioned by Mihrimah Sultan, the beloved daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, the mosque is celebrated for its airy, light-filled interior, featuring delicate stained-glass windows and an unusual birdcage chandelier. Unlike many other imperial mosques, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque has only one minaret. Interestingly, the symmetry between this mosque and its counterpart in Uskudar reflects Sinan’s symbolic affection for Mihrimah Sultan, with the sun setting behind this mosque and the moon rising behind the other—a reference to her name, meaning “sun and moon.”

Suleymaniye Mosque, Fatih

The Suleymaniye Mosque, built between 1548 and 1557, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic Ottoman landmarks. Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, the mosque is part of a grand complex that includes a hospital, a madrasa, a library, a caravanserai, and more. Located on the Third Hill, it offers breathtaking views of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus. The mosque’s stunning design features a massive central dome, flanked by semi-domes, and four elegant minarets. The interior is equally impressive, with its luxurious carpets, intricate chandeliers, colorful stained-glass windows, and a beautifully tiled mihrab. The Suleymaniye Mosque’s architectural perfection has withstood the test of time, surviving over a hundred earthquakes without significant damage. Its grandeur continues to attract millions of visitors each year.