Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Edirnekapı) Istanbul
A masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, this 16th-century mosque offers serene beauty and historical grandeur, with a unique feminine touch.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Edirnekapı) Istanbul
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A masterpiece by Mimar Sinan, this 16th-century mosque offers serene beauty and historical grandeur, with a unique feminine touch.
"Experience the serene beauty and architectural genius of Mimar Sinan's Mihrimah Sultan Mosque."
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees; women, bring a headscarf.
🚶 Explore the Neighborhood
Wander the historic streets of Fatih for an authentic Istanbul experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Grand Dome and Minaret
Main prayer hall
Marvel at the soaring dome and elegant minaret, hallmarks of Mimar Sinan's genius.
Feminine Architectural Touches
Exterior and interior
Experience the mosque's unique, gentle energy, often described as feminine.
Panoramic City Views
Near the mosque
Enjoy breathtaking views of Istanbul's skyline from its elevated location.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for Tranquility
Respectful Attire is Essential
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees; women, bring a headscarf.
🚶 Explore the Neighborhood
Wander the historic streets of Fatih for an authentic Istanbul experience.
📸 Capture the Light
The mosque is known for its bright, airy interior.
⏰ Check Visiting Hours
Avoid disappointment by confirming opening times, especially around prayer.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders and knees; women, bring a headscarf.
🚶 Explore the Neighborhood
Wander the historic streets of Fatih for an authentic Istanbul experience.
📸 Capture the Light
The mosque is known for its bright, airy interior.
⏰ Check Visiting Hours
Avoid disappointment by confirming opening times, especially around prayer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque for its stunning architecture, serene atmosphere, and historical significance, often highlighting Mimar Sinan's masterful design. Some note that it offers a more tranquil experience compared to other major Istanbul mosques. Occasional mentions of limited accessibility or confusion regarding visiting hours can occur.
"A nice mosque near the city walls of Istanbul. It is named after the daughter of Sultan Suleyman. A beautiful and relatively quiet place."
Rostam Novák
"A serene and beautiful mosque located near the city walls. A peaceful and worthwhile stop."
Nika Kapanadze
"Wonderful ottoman times mosque. In Istanbul Highly recommended these architecture is magnificent."
Necati Zontul
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The mosque is located near the Edirnekapı city walls. You can reach it by public bus, with routes often passing through the Fatih district. Taxis are also readily available.
Yes, several bus lines serve the Edirnekapı area, making it accessible via Istanbul's public transportation network.
From Sultanahmet, you can take a bus or tram towards the Fatih area and then transfer to a bus heading to Edirnekapı. Taxis offer a more direct but pricier option.
Street parking can be challenging in this historic neighborhood. It's advisable to use public transport or a taxi if you're not familiar with the area.
While it's part of the historic Fatih district, walking from major tourist hubs like Sultanahmet might be quite a distance. It's best combined with other nearby sights in the Fatih area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the mosque is free. It is a functioning place of worship, so donations are appreciated.
The mosque is generally open to visitors outside of prayer times. It's best to check local listings or inquire upon arrival, as hours can vary.
Visitors are typically asked to leave during the five daily prayer times to allow worshippers to observe their religious duties undisturbed.
The tomb is part of the complex, but access might be restricted or only available at certain times.
Photography is usually permitted, but it's important to be respectful and avoid taking photos during prayer times or of worshippers.
📸 📸 Photography
The exterior, especially the dome and minaret against the sky, is stunning. Inside, focus on the light filtering through the windows and the intricate details of the calligraphy.
Yes, the mosque's prominent location offers many vantage points for exterior shots, particularly from the surrounding streets and walls.
Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlight the mosque's architectural features.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Istanbul, especially around historical and religious sites. It's best to check current regulations.
A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the interior's grandeur, while a standard zoom can capture exterior details. A tripod can help with low-light interior shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶 Solo Travelers & Explorers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Architectural Marvel by Mimar Sinan
Sinan's genius is evident in its harmonious proportions and innovative design. The mosque features a grand central dome supported by four semi-domes, creating a sense of spaciousness and light. Its four slender minarets, positioned at the corners of the prayer hall, are a distinctive feature, symbolizing its importance and grandeur. The mosque's location, perched on one of Istanbul's hills, was strategically chosen. It was designed to be a prominent landmark visible from afar. The architectural style reflects the classical Ottoman period, characterized by elegance, balance, and a profound understanding of space and light. The use of Iznik tiles and intricate calligraphy further enhances its aesthetic appeal, though many of these decorative elements have been lost to time or replaced.
Unlike some of the more imposing imperial mosques, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is often described as having a more delicate and feminine aura, befitting its patron. This is achieved through its refined details and the way light floods the interior, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.
The Legend of Mihrimah and the Moon
This astronomical alignment is believed to have been intentionally incorporated into the design by Mimar Sinan, who was deeply devoted to Mihrimah Sultan.This legend adds a layer of mystique and wonder to the mosque, drawing visitors who are fascinated by its symbolic connections to the cosmos. The two mosques, one on each side of the Bosphorus, are seen as a testament to the enduring love and connection between Mihrimah Sultan and her father, Suleiman the Magnificent.
The story highlights the blend of architectural brilliance, historical narrative, and romantic folklore that makes this site so captivating.While the astronomical phenomenon is a beautiful tale, the mosque's primary significance lies in its architectural excellence and its role as a testament to the power and influence of women in the Ottoman Empire. Mihrimah Sultan was a prominent figure, and her patronage of such grand structures underscores her importance.
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