Rustem Pasha Mosque

We made a special detour here to see this beautiful mosque but everything was totally covered by boards for the renovation so you can't see a single tile. The mosque is,still open for prayer. Will have to come back in a few years to see it.

Google Maps on your phone will greatly help in finding this beautiful little mosque that is somewhat hidden. You don't find your way into this mosque by accident. It's a bit out of the way and not visibly advertised by a big, highly visible building and minarets. There is a rather indistinct door at street level that accesses a flight of stairs up to the mosque entrance.

This is a small mosque famous for its Iznik tile work. There are approximately 2300 tiles arranged in around 80 different patterns. Although small, the mosque is beautifully proportioned and the interior is covered in some of the most exquisite İznik faience(colored tiles) ever produced.

Istanbul Rüstem Pasha Mosque is known as one of the most special mosques in the city. The construction of Rostam Pasha Mosque dates back to about 500 years ago and for this reason it has a treasure trove of memories in its heart.

During the 600 years of its rule, the Ottoman Empire built many mosques throughout the region under its rule. The reason for this was the importance that the government attached to the religion of Islam. This even caused the Ottoman Empire to gradually convert many of the churches built during the Byzantine period into mosques after its founding. Most of them, like the Rostam Pasha Mosque in Istanbul today, are among the most special, historic and magnificent historical buildings in the world.

I felt like it was a hidden gem in Istanbul.
A bit tricky to find and not as famous as the bigger mosques (Blue Mosque for instance).
On the other hand it is not busy and it is extremely beautiful.
The blue tiles are gorgeous.
Note that the mosque is not visible from the street and is raised above the shops, so find the stairs that take you up.
It is by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan who built The Süleymaniye Mosque (another must visit).

With more than 3,000 mosques in Istanbul, it is hard to pick a few interesting ones ; obviously every tourist has seen Hagia Sophia, Blue and Suleiman mosques. But Rustem Pasha is another Mimar Sinan gem. And on top of his elegant architecture, you get the best collection of Iznik tiles ; no other mosque makes such a lavish use of İznik tiles ! And all of this beauty without the throngs of selfie-taking tourists.

Not crowded in this smaller mosque. There is a beautiful “Tree of Life” panel on the exterior. Inside admire the genuine Iznik tiles, pinnacle of skill craftsmanship, closeup at your leisure. As this is a religious site, no shoes, hair covering for women and no loud noises are expected.

I started on the Istanbul mosque tours from the Sultanahmet Mosque and finished up with the Rustem Pasha one. This mosque stands out from the rest in that it has interesting tile work inside. Shoes must come off, they hand out headscarf to women and some type of a skirt for men in shorts (as in all mosques in Istanbul). It was nice to spend a few moments inside just to Coil off on a hot day.
To walk to the mosque, you have to pass through a bazar, so repare to use your elbows. Also, the mosque is located in an area with lots of restaurants/cafes + close to a metro stop. So, if you start your way from the Hagia Sofia area and make your way up, this mosque is a natural end point to a day.

The blue mosque was closed for renovations and the Hagia Sophia had huge lines so our guide suggested this mosque as the one to visit. It is easy to get to as it close to the Spice bazaar and other touristy areas. We walked here from the Hagia Sophia and were quite tired. The mosque has some nice tile work, but beyond that, there wasn't a lot else to see. Unless you really want to visit a mosque and were in the area, I would probably skip it.

This has by reputation, the best Iznik tiles of all the mosques I visited in Istanbul. This seemed correct of the ones I visited, but by no means have I seen them all! It’s beautiful inside and is one of the Istanbul sites you shouldn’t miss. Location is fairly easy to find as it’s fairly close to the Spice Market.

Hidden gem.  I have visited Istanbul many times including staying there for a while.  I have seen most of the tourist attractions so each time I come, I try to visit something off the beaten track. Although difficult to find in the maze of streets behind the carpet bazaar, it was worth it.  Hidden gem.  Climb up the stairs and you are greeted with beautiful architecture, an oasis of peace and calm away from the chaotic market below.  Highly recommend.  Don't bother asking anyone for directions as nobody has heard of it!  Just use the GPS on your phone!