Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, Istanbul

The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is one of the most beautiful sites in Üsküdar and indeed in wider Istanbul, its proximity to the iskele (pier) lending it the nickname of 'Iskele Mosque'. Since it was built on a raised platform, the grounds provide a great vantage point from which to observe the pier area as a whole, complete with all its hustle and bustle.

The mosque itself is the first of two built by Mihrimah Sultan, the most favored daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent and the wife of Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha. Built between 1546-48, it was designed by the great architect Mimar Sinan, whose blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture can be seen in the slender minarets, as well as the arrangement of the dome and semi-domes. The colorful cut glass windows inside convey a sense of happiness and femininity.

In the absence of space for a full courtyard, Sinan added a roof to cover the ablution fountain, giving the construction yet another element of individuality. As a place of worship, the mosque is served well by its location, which supplies a healthy amount of passing commuters in addition to the local population.

Image Courtesy of Flickr and PlanetKorriban.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Istanbul. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Sight Location: Istanbul, Turkey (See walking tours in Istanbul)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Asian Side and Bosphorus Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Istanbul, Turkey

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