[2025 Istanbul Attraction] Travel Guide for Nuruosmaniye Mosque (Updated Apr)

A magnificent mosque located near the Grand Bazaar in the old city of Istanbul. Built in the 18th century, the architecture and interior decoration are powerful and beautiful. Solemn prayers were being held inside. I went in to take a break after getting tired from walking around the Grand Bazaar, and it was a wonderful mosque worth seeing. It became a good memory of my trip.

#2023TravelWish The Nuruosmaniye Mosque (Turkish: Nuruosmaniye Camii) is an 18th-century Ottoman mosque located in the Çemberlitaş neighbourhood of Fatih district in Istanbul, Turkey. In 2016 it was inscribed in the Tentative list of World Heritage Sites in Turkey. The dome of the mosque is extremely distinct, and the fourth largest in the city of Istanbul, behind the Hagia Sophia, Süleymaniye Mosque, and Fatih Mosque, respectively. The Nuruosmaniye mosque is part of a larger religious complex, or Külliye, acting as a centre of culture, religion, and education for the neighborhood. The first imperial mosque of Istanbul that integrated both Baroque and neoclassical elements in its construction. Nuruosmaniye Mosque was built in the Ottoman Baroque style.

Located on the eastern side of the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, the Nuruosmaniye Mosque stands out with its unique and elegant charm. Unlike traditional Ottoman architecture, this mosque blends Islamic and European Baroque styles, with smooth arches and intricate carvings showcasing the artistic splendor of the 18th-century Ottoman Empire. Upon entering, I was greeted by a spacious prayer hall and a flowing circular dome. The design of the ceiling and windows allows sunlight to pour in, earning the mosque the nickname 'Mosque of Light' (Nuru means 'light' in Turkish). The stained glass and ornate calligraphy decorations make the entire space feel sacred and serene, with a color scheme that exudes nobility, different from the commonly seen blue and white tones. The construction of this mosque was intended to reflect the prosperity of the 18th-century Ottoman Empire. Sultan Osman III wanted to create an Islamic sanctuary that could rival European churches, thus incorporating more Western elements into the architecture, making it one of the most Baroque-style mosques in Istanbul. Standing on the terrace outside the mosque, one can overlook the bustling Grand Bazaar, feel the vibrancy of this millennia-old commercial center, and enjoy the distant view of the Bosphorus Strait. In this city rich with cultural fusion, the Nuruosmaniye Mosque is undoubtedly a low-key yet brilliant gem. 📍 Nuruosmaniye Mosque 🕌 Location: Eastern side of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

#2024wish In 2023, I was visiting the Grand Bazaar in Türkiye when I walked by this smaller mosque. I decided to look inside—and I’m SO glad I did!!🤩🤩 Nuruosmaniye Mosque’s entrance is easy to miss, and is right next to the gated entrance to the Grand Bazaar. 🇹🇷 Inside the mosque, the decor is a soft, stone white with blue carpets, and gold accents throughout. ⚜️🕋 Since the mosque is smaller, it’s much less crowded than the larger mosques, and provides a calm and serene atmosphere. 🧎☪️ I was happy to sit on the carpet for several minutes and just soak in all of the beauty of this mosque. 🩵✨ Then, it was onto the bustle of the Bazaar! Don’t miss this mosque while visiting Istanbul! In 2024, I hope I can see the Nuruosmaniye Mosque again! 🕌😍 #citywalk #travelguide #travelguide #historicallandmarks #localguides #mosque #turkey #istanbul