Zekeriya from Istanbul
The Prayer - Sultan Ahmet Mosque Istanbul
To pray to God
All religions have their own way of prayer to their creator. As long as we are open to new ideas, observations and know how to respect it's all an experience. Sultan Ahmet Mosque is one of the most visited touristic spots in İstanbul.
It's very easily accessible and a must spot during the Full Day Tours in Istanbul. But once in the mosque you will notice that tourists are allowed to only to one section, the rest is "no-entry" because that section (the first half of the mosque floor) is allowed for the people to pray.
Obviously no one would like to be disturbed by tourist while praying. I took the privilege to go into the prayer section and document the above photograph to give you an idea on what's going on. As documents above you see a believer reciting the Quran and another one praying.
Everyone to enter the mosque will have to take off their shoes so you observe the people with their socks. This is a mystic experience and I must say if you ever have a chance to stop in Sultan Ahmet Mosque, do take your time.
Our Istanbul City Guide
Find your way with 240 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Join as a Spotter?
Loved this Spot? And love your city? Join your local team. Share your favs and become part of our international community!
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Frankestayn Kitabevi
Empowering pages in Beyoglu
Frankestayn Kitabevi celebrates gender, feminism, and the voice of marginalized authors and it's a hidden gem in the vibrant neighborhood of Beyoglu.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Filiz Restaurant
Local way of fish and meze
Filiz Restaurant’s kitchen specializes in both seafood and various delectable mezes. Personally, I always start with the cold appetizers...
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Hasanpaşa Gashouse
Industrial heritage
Hasanpaşa Gashouse, which has been providing the Kadıköy District for 130 years with gas, has finally opened as a cultural centre and a museum...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Bohem's Coffee
The heartfelt hospitality
The real highlight of Bohem's Coffee wasn't just its ambiance or décor—it was the genuine warmth of the owner.
by
Cemre
Sandal
Moda Nostalgia Tramvay
Ride On The Asian Side
Kadıköy-Moda Tramway operates as a clockwise circular route, departs from a point close to Kadıköy Pier, and goes to Moda Street.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Az Cok Thai
Flavors of Thailand in your plate
At Az Çok Thai, the dishes are inspired by the street food versions of the main dishes, the menu covers all the Thai classics and it's simply delicious.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
The Museum of Innocence
Beauty of Storytelling
This is a place where creativity and storytelling meet. As the writer Orhan Pamuk says, ‘I will build a museum, and its catalogue will be a novel’.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Batard Bomonti
French Bistro in Istanbul
Batard offers a diverse menu showcasing international and Turkish flavors prepared with a modern twist. Their dishes are defined as "Eclectic Cuisine".
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Lokal Makers Shop
Slow shopping in Istanbul
At the heart of Local Makers Shop's philosophy lies a commitment to slow shopping, a celebration of the artisanal, and an embrace of handmade designs.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
3rd Culture Store
Design store in Istanbul
From hand-painted items by women in India to collections that promote a global and inclusive design, they truly showcases the beauty of cultural exchange.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Perili Köşk
The haunted mansion
Perili Köşk Istanbul houses the Borusan Contemporary Art Museum. Some call it the haunted mansion because it was incomplete for years. I love the views!
by
Yucel
Babadag
Boter Kalamış
Coffee & bake shop
Boter Kalamış in Kadiköy, Istanbul, is a bakeshop in one of my favorite spots. I love getting a buttery pastry & a coffee and sitting in the park nearby
by
Yucel
Babadag
Heading to Istanbul?
240 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 240 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
