Rustem Pasha Mosque

The Rustem Pasha mosque is well known for its beautiful Iznik (Nicea) tiles of the 16th century, covering entire walls, mihrab and mimbar areas as well. It has an octagonal plan, sitting on a high platform over several old shops where you can reach by spiral stairs. There is a single minaret and a central dome resting on 4 semi-domes with 74 windows around them. These semi-domes and arches are supported by octagonal columns called as "elephant feet" (Fil Ayagi in Turkish). The Rustem Pasha mosque is one of the most exquisite Ottoman mosques in Istanbul, despite its small size. When you enter inside after taking the shoes off, you'll be amazed by the vivid colors and floral or geometrical designs of the valuable Iznik tiles (over 2.300 pieces), which some of them were stolen during the centuries. Rustem Pasa Camii (Mosque) Hasircilar Carsisi Tahtakale - Istanbul Open daily except prayer times