Jun 29, 2025

Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Mosque Istanbul

Off the beaten path

""Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Mosque" in Istanbul has a very characteristic entrance. I invite you to experience this lesser-known masterpiece..."

Imagine a mosque that is not visited that much in a city where all corners are crowded with mosques. Sokullu Mehmet Paşa Mosque is one of a kind with its fabulous entrance as seen in the photograph. This is a very classical shot that is basically used by all agencies as a marketing tool. To see this shot please enter the courtyard from the front gate, where the domes of mosque and ablution fountain are beautifully framed by the arched gateway in unity and in symmetry.

This is another brilliant structure built by the imperial architect Sinan. This masterpiece is below the far end of the Hippodrome and like Rüstempaşa Mosque is famed for its superb Iznik tiles. Of course the tiles are not that popular. The only handicap here is that it's not allowed for people to take photos inside. The perfect harmony of the architecture especially flourishes when it is a rainy day. This is one of my most favourite mosques in the city where I find peace and harmony.

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