Famous Mosques in Istanbul
Istanbul's skyline is defined by its great mosques — and the most famous of them all is Hagia Sophia, the once-Christian cathedral that became the city's grand mosque. Here are the landmarks every visitor should know.
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)
The most famous of all. A 6th-century Byzantine cathedral — once the greatest church in the world — now a grand mosque. Istanbul's single most-visited landmark.
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed)
Built 1609–1616, famous for its six minarets and blue İznik tiles. Faces Hagia Sophia across Sultanahmet Square.
Süleymaniye Mosque
The masterpiece of the great Ottoman architect Sinan (1557), crowning Istanbul's third hill with commanding views of the Golden Horn.
Fatih Mosque
The first grand imperial mosque built after the conquest, on the site of the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles.
New Mosque (Yeni Cami)
The waterfront mosque by the Galata Bridge at Eminönü, completed in 1665.
Eyüp Sultan Mosque
One of the holiest Islamic sites in Istanbul, beside the tomb of a companion of the Prophet Muhammad.
"The once-famous basilica in Istanbul"
If you're looking for the famous former basilica — or the great Istanbul church that became a mosque — the answer is Hagia Sophia. For nearly 900 years it was the cathedral of Constantinople, before it was converted into a mosque in 1453. It is also one of the oldest surviving monumental buildings in the city.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous mosque in Istanbul?+
Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya) is the most famous. Originally a 6th-century Byzantine cathedral, it is now a grand mosque and Istanbul's most-visited landmark. The Blue Mosque is a close second.
What is the once-famous basilica in Istanbul?+
That is Hagia Sophia. It was the cathedral of Constantinople and the largest church in the world for almost 1,000 years before becoming a mosque in 1453.
What is the famous church in Istanbul that became a mosque?+
Hagia Sophia. Built as a Christian cathedral in 537 AD, it was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453.
What is the biggest mosque in Istanbul?+
Çamlıca Mosque on the Asian side is the largest by capacity, while Süleymaniye and Hagia Sophia are the most historically significant of the grand imperial mosques.
What is the oldest building in Istanbul?+
Among monumental buildings, Hagia Sophia (537 AD) is one of the oldest still standing and in use, alongside surviving Byzantine structures such as the city walls and the Hagia Irene church.