Rüstem Pasha Mosque
Rüstem Paşa Camii
A small mosque hidden in an alley beside the Spice Bazaar. Its interior and exterior walls are covered with 16th-century İznik tiles, and it is considered the most beautiful tiled mosque in the city.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque was designed by the master architect Sinan in the 1560s for Rüstem Pasha, the grand vizier of Suleiman the Magnificent. It was built above a row of shops, and its entrance is hidden in a stairway on the west side of the Spice Bazaar. The interior walls, columns and pulpit are covered with İznik tiles, featuring mainly tulip, carnation and pomegranate patterns. The early tiles in tomato-red glaze are especially prized, and this is the best place to appreciate İznik tilework. Entry is free. Remember to dress modestly. The mosque is closed during prayer times. Getting there: a 5-minute walk from Eminönü station on the T1 tram.
Opening hours
Open outside prayer times
Nearby sights
- Spice Bazaar
- Süleymaniye Mosque
- Galata Bridge & Eminönü
- Grand Bazaar
- Galata Tower
- Zeyrek Mosque (Pantokrator Monastery)
- Şehzade Mosque
- Gülhane Park