Rüstem Pasha Mosque in Istanbul: History, Location, Entry Fee & Opening Hours (2025)

Built between 1555 and 1561 by Mimar Sinan, the greatest architect of the Ottoman Empire, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and tile art. It was commissioned by Rüstem Pasha, the Grand Vizier and son-in-law of Süleyman the Magnificent. He was a prominent statesman, married to Mihrimah Sultan, and managed to grow the state treasury with his trading talents.

The mosque is situated in the bustling Tahtakale area, then a major commercial center. This strategic location helped generate income for the mosque through the shops below, contributing to its maintenance and the upkeep of nearby structures. This location near Küçük Çukur Han and Büyük Çukur Han inns was carefully chosen to maximize its commercial benefits.

Architecture and Design of Rüstem Pasha Mosque

The Rüstem Pasha Mosque stands out for several reasons:

Elevated Structure

Unlike other mosques, it is positioned 6 meters above ground. Access is provided by closed staircases on each of the four sides, and the prayer hall is reached via stairs from both sides of the building.

No Direct Street Access to Courtyard

Unlike many other mosques, Rüstem Pasha Mosque’s courtyard is not directly accessible from the street but via enclosed staircases.

Iznik Tilework

The mosque’s defining feature is the extensive use of Iznik tiles throughout. Covering nearly all interior surfaces from the dome to the walls, these tiles form one of the most comprehensive examples of Ottoman tile art. Tulip motifs are particularly prominent, with around 41 different tulip patterns counted in the mosque.

The Iznik tiles showcase vibrant colors of cobalt blue, coral red, leaf green, and turquoise. A notable detail is the tile pattern indicating the qibla (the direction of Mecca), which is mirrored in Hagia Sophia — the same tile is found in both places, although the Hagia Sophia’s tile was reportedly stolen.

Dome and Structure

The mosque has a rectangular prayer hall crowned with a central dome supported by four massive columns. The narthex has six columns and five domes, while additional wooden roofing and eaves were added later to enhance the structure.

Woodwork and Other Decorations

The mosque also features intricate woodwork, mukarnas (stalactite-like decorations), and elaborate carvings that contribute to its aesthetic richness. Each window is bordered with pencil-case designs, adding a refined touch to the edges and corners of the interior.

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Rüstem Pasha Mosque vs. Blue Mosque

Although the Blue Mosque is known for its tilework, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque has a higher concentration and diversity of Iznik tiles, making it an unparalleled example of Ottoman tile artistry. The variety of 41 tulip patterns is unique worldwide, offering an experience of natural beauty and craftsmanship that is unmatched.

Visiting Rüstem Pasha Mosque

• Location: The mosque is hidden among the busy streets of the Tahtakale shopping district near the Spice Bazaar.
• Address: Rüstem Paşa Mahallesi, Hasırcılar Cd. No:62, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul.
• Access: You can reach the mosque by stairs on Hasırcılar Caddesi or the smaller street leading towards the Golden Horn.
• Opening Hours: The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is generally open to visitors outside of prayer times, with the most common visiting hours between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM.

Prayer Times

As an active mosque, Rüstem Pasha Mosque holds five daily prayers (Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha). Non-Muslim visitors are welcome to visit outside these prayer times, as the mosque typically closes for around 30 minutes before and after each prayer. The exact timing of these prayers varies according to the Islamic calendar and local sunrise and sunset times.

If you’re visiting on a Friday, keep in mind that Jumu’ah prayer (Friday congregational prayer) happens around midday, and the mosque will be particularly crowded during this time.

To avoid interruption of prayers and ensure respectful visits, consider coming during the following approximate times:

• Morning (after sunrise): Between 9:00 AM to around 11:30 AM.
• Afternoon: Between 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM.
• Late afternoon/early evening: After 4:30 PM until the Maghrib prayer (around sunset).

For specific times, it’s best to check an online prayer time schedule for Istanbul for the day of your visit.

FAQs: Rüstem Pasha Mosque

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