logo
ic_menu

Fatih Mosque, Istanbul

No:6 Hattat Nafiz Caddesi, Ali Kuşçu, İstanbul

Description

The Fatih Mosque was built in 1463-1470 and named after the Ottoman sultan Mehmed the Conqueror ("Fatih" means "Conqueror") who took Constantinople in 1453. It was designed by the Greek architect Atik Sinan and constructed on the site of the former Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles, the burial place of the Roman Emperor Constantine. The mosque was rebuilt in a different design following the destructive earthquake of 1766. It has 2 minarets and the central dome, 26m in diameter, is supported by four semi-domes. Behind the mosque is the lavishly decorated tomb (türbe) of Sultan Mehmet II and that of his wife Gulbahar Hatun.

Access & Transport

The mosque is located in the Fatih district, 1.5km southwest of the Ataturk bridge and Cibali tram stop (T5). There are several bus stops along Fevzi Paşa Cd., next to the mosque and the Aksaray metro station (M2) is 1.2km away.

Instructions & Recommendations

Please check prayer times in advance (closed to tourists during that time) and make sure you are appropriately dressed. Link to Istanbul prayer times: https://namazvakitleri.diyanet.gov.tr/en-US/9541/prayer-time-for-istanbul

Meta review

Good reviews for this beautiful building but visitors tend to agree that, although it has great historical importance (effectively the first imperial mosque built in the city), it is nowhere as spectacular as the "top three" mosques of Istanbul. On the flip side, it is far less busy.

Environmental & Social

No environmental impact and helps preserve the city's architectural and historical heritage

Conclusion

In any city other than Istanbul, Fatih Mosque would be considered a must see, but compared to Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque or Suleymaniye Mosque, it simply isn't as spectacular. Our recommendation is to take a look if you are in the area, but don't plan your itinerary around it.

Key positive

Historical importance with the Sultan Mehmet II mausoleum

Not crowded with tourists

Key negative

Comparatively less touristic attractions nearby

Not as impressive as the best-known mosques of the city

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility although wheelchair users may need to change equipment to get on to the carpeted area.

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed during prayer times

av. transport time:0h 30m

est. visit time:0h 45m

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 18:00

Tuesday09:00 - 18:00

Wednesday09:00 - 18:00

Thursday09:00 - 18:00

Friday09:00 - 18:00

Saturday09:00 - 18:00

Sunday09:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Donations are welcome
Free

We use cookies on this site to enhance your user experience. For a complete overview of all cookies used, please see MORE INFORMATION.