Few foreign visitors go out of their way to see Rüstem Pasha Mosque, as it can slip easily under the radar compared to Istanbul’s many vast and dramatic sights. However, this building is well worth a visit because of its intricate beauty. The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is renowned as a fine example of decorative tiling and without a doubt it remains one of the city’s finest architectural treasures. Rüstem Pasha Mosque is one of the great buildings designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan, who served under three sultans and made some of the most iconic structures in Istanbul. The mosque is named after the Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha, who was married to one of the daughters of Süleyman the Magnificent. The mosque was built in his memory following his death in 1561.Rüstem Pasha himself is remembered for plotting with Süleyman’s wife Roxelana to denounce the Sultan’s son Prince Mustafa, which led to the latter’s execution and the ascent to the throne of Selim “the Sot.” It’s said that this marked the beginning of the Ottoman Empire’s long decline.Although he was one of the wealthiest men in the empire, Rüstem Pasha did not have a high enough status to rival the Sultan’s grand mosque. For this reason, the Rüstem Pasha Mosque is smaller and located where it is. It lies at the heart of the marketplace at the foot of the hill upon which the Süleymaniye Mosque stands.Climb a narrow flight of steps to reach its open courtyard, located on a high terrace overlooking a complex of shops, including the Spice Bazaar. Once inside, admire the mainly red, white and blue tiles. The tiles are set in floral and geometric designs, and stone columns and huge arched doorways interrupt the designs splendidly. Rüstem Pasha Mosque is in the Tahtakele neighborhood on the European side of Istanbul. The building still functions as a mosque, so you can’t visit during the five daily prayer sessions and on Friday afternoons. The calls to prayer from the loudspeakers indicate when those times have arrived.
Rustem Pasha Mosque Tours
Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque
Plan a trip to see Rustem Pasha Mosque
Browse tours and tickets to explore Rustem Pasha Mosque
Tours & day trips
See all 511 activitiesOpens in new tabBest of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 152 activitiesOpens in new tabBest of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 64 activitiesOpens in new tab3-Day Ephesus, Pergamum & Pamukkale Tour by Plane
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 52 activitiesOpens in new tabTaste of Two Continents: Istanbul Food Tour
Shopping & fashion
See all 20 activitiesOpens in new tabMonuments of Ottoman Empire Tour - Skip the Line Tickets
Popular places to visit
Egyptian Bazaar
During your trip to Istanbul, you can enjoy retail therapy at Egyptian Bazaar. Discover the area's fascinating museums and stunning cathedral.
New Mosque
You can learn about the history of Istanbul with a trip to New Mosque. Visit the area's stunning cathedral or amble around its seaside.
Süleymaniye Mosque
This 16th-century mosque is not only the largest active mosque in Istanbul, but also one of the city’s most symbolic.
Galata Bridge
Pass fishermen casting off the sides of this historic bridge, explore the shish bars on its lower levels and then find a terrace café to watch the sun set over Istanbul’s skyline.
Beyazit Tower
Find out about the history of Istanbul when you spend time at Beyazit Tower. Stroll along the seaside or visit the notable monuments in the area.
Istanbul University
Explore the campus of Istanbul University during your visit to Istanbul. Experience the area's acclaimed art scene and fascinating museums.
Best Lodging Options Near Rustem Pasha Mosque
Check availability on hotels close to Rustem Pasha Mosque
- Vacations and getaways similar to Rustem Pasha Mosque
- Other Hotels near Rustem Pasha Mosque, Istanbul City Center
- Hotels near popular Istanbul Attractions
- Expedia's Latest Trends
- Mest Hotel Istanbul Sirkeci
- Swissotel The Bosphorus Istanbul
- Pera Palace Hotel
- Istanbul Golden City Hotel
- Crowne Plaza Istanbul - Old City, an IHG Hotel
- The Marmara Taksim
- HHK Hotel
- DeCamondo Galata, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Sultanahmet Palace Hotel - Special Class
- GLK PREMIER Regency Suites & Spa - Special Class
- Fer Hotel
- Ring Stone Hotels Bosphorus
- Hotels near Taksim Square
- Hotels near Blue Mosque
- Hotels near Grand Bazaar
- Hotels near Galata Tower
- Hotels near Hagia Sophia
- Hotels near Topkapi Palace
- Hotels near Mall of Istanbul
- Hotels near Bosphorus Bridge
- Hotels near Bosphorus
- Hotels near Sultanahmet Square
- Hotels near Istiklal Avenue
- Hotels near Dolmabahçe Palace
- Hotels near Süleymaniye Mosque
- Hotels near Basilica Cistern
- Hotels near Florya Beach
- Hotels near Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre
- Hotels near Bağdat Avenue
- Hotels near Ataturk Olympic Stadium
- Hotels near Eminönü Square
- Hotels near Egyptian Bazaar