Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque in Üsküdar, close to the waterfront and square. Commissioned by Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, it was designed by architect Mimar Sinan. Broad windows with colored glass bring shifting light into the prayer hall, beneath a dome that appears to hover overhead. The courtyard, arches and minarets are also worth a look. Its setting and quieter atmosphere make it a thoughtful stop on a walk along Üsküdar’s coast.
A mosque commissioned by Mihrimah Sultan
Mihrimah Sultan commissioned the mosque in 1548. She was the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent and the wife of Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha. Mimar Sinan designed the building, which became part of Üsküdar’s Ottoman history and remains a prominent landmark near the coast.
The mosque belonged to a larger complex. Its associated buildings included a madrasa, a bathhouse, a soup kitchen, a school and a caravanserai. The complex gives a sense of how religious buildings were connected to education and everyday needs.
Light, arches and the dome
The prayer hall is known for its many windows, including panes of colored glass. Daylight enters across the interior, changing its appearance as the light shifts. Above it, a broad dome creates an open impression. The courtyard and graceful arches offer another perspective on Sinan’s design, while the minarets mark the mosque’s place in the Üsküdar streetscape.
The mosque is an active place of worship. Visitors should dress modestly, take off their shoes before entering the prayer hall and behave quietly inside. Access to the interior is best planned outside prayer times; check locally for current visiting arrangements.
The mosque in its Üsküdar setting
Set near Üsküdar’s square and waterfront, the mosque is easy to include in a walk along the coast. Its illuminated exterior is a reason to pass by around dusk. After rain, water on the ground can reflect the building and its minarets.
The mosque has wheelchair-accessible entrance and restroom facilities, as well as wheelchair-accessible parking. Its calm interior and coastal setting offer a different pace from Istanbul’s busiest landmark mosques.
Häufige Fragen
Who commissioned Mihrimah Sultan Mosque?
Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, commissioned it in 1548.
Who designed the mosque?
The mosque was designed by the Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.
What should I see inside Mihrimah Sultan Mosque?
Look for the colored-glass windows that bring changing light into the prayer hall, and the high dome above it.
What should I wear when visiting?
Dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering the prayer hall. Bring a scarf if you may need a covering.
