Many tourists visit beautiful mosques while on vacation in Istanbul. The Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are two of the most popular, attracting millions of visitors annually. But here are four hidden gems. Not only are these mosques beautiful, but women commissioned them during the period of the Ottoman Empire.
Discover four beautiful mosques in Istanbul commissioned by Ottoman women.
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Women in the Ottoman Empire
Men dominate the history of the Ottoman Empire. We know far less about Ottoman women, who lived secluded lives. So, for the most part, we only have the allure and rumoured intrigues of the harem.
However, a few high-ranking Ottoman women gained exceptional power, rights, and wealth, especially compared to their European contemporaries (the Ottoman Empire from 1299 to 1922). These women influenced the fate of the empire, some through their husbands. Others served as regents for young sultans, granting them ultimate power to rule over domestic and foreign affairs.
Charity work was important to these women, and centuries later, you can still witness the impact of their charitable efforts. Wander off Istanbul’s beaten path and discover the beautiful mosques, fountains, and complexes they left behind.
Hürrem Sultan
Hürrem Sultan was a game-changer for the Ottoman dynasty! She’s been depicted as a temptress. And today, Istanbul merchants try to sell alluring perfumes bearing her name. Some believe that her scheming resulted in the deaths of her stepson and her husband’s most trusted advisers. While possible, there is no actual proof.
Far more likely, her husband, Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, fell for her because of her intelligence and personality. She received the Turkish name Hürrem, which means “joyful one.”
Hürrem was the first Haseki. Before her, Ottoman Sultans had multiple concubines. But she became Sultan Süleyman’s legal wife. Shockingly for this time period, she offered political advice to her husband, and they lived in the same palace. Hürrem Sultan changed the course of Ottoman history.
The people loved Hürrem Sultan’s charitable nature. She used her dowry to build the Haseki Sultan Mosque and a complex that included a hospital, soup kitchen, and school, the first complex endowed by a woman in Istanbul.
Haseki Sultan Mosque
The Haseki Sultan Mosque isn’t ornate but has a simple beauty. And if you’re an architecture buff, this mosque is one of Mimar Sinan’s first imperial works. He is best known as the architect who built the stunning Süleymanyie Mosque.
After the crowds of Sultanahmet, I had this serene space all to myself. The interior has lovely painted domes, stained glass, and pale blue carpet. Unfortunately, none of the decor is original, as the mosque has endured fires and earthquakes since its inception in 1539. But I like to imagine the older floral paintings on the sides of the minbar (the staircase-like pulpit) resemble the art of Hürrem’s time.
She also commissioned the Hurrem Sultan Hamam, located just in front of the Hagia Sophia. It is one of the most beautiful (and expensive) hamams in Istanbul. If you want to splurge while on vacation, this is THE place to experience the hamam ritual.
Mihrimah Sultan
Mihrimah Sultan was the most powerful princess of the Ottoman dynasty. Not surprisingly, her father was Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, and her mom was the above-mentioned Hürrem Sultan. Her brother was the less-than-impressive Sultan Selim II. Well-educated, Mihrimah was an advisor to her father and brother.
Mihrimah married a Great Vizier, but according to rumours, renowned architect Mimar Sinan was in love with her. She commissioned Sinan to build not one but two mosques. The first, on the Asian side, has twin minarets and is easy to spot from the Üsküdar ferry terminal. Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Üsküdar is pretty, but her namesake on the European side is one of the most beautiful mosques I’ve ever seen.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Edirnekapı
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque Edirnekapı adorns Istanbul’s sixth hill, next to the remarkable Walls of Constantinople. Across from the mosque is Edirnekapı, the gate where Mehmet the Conqueror entered the city after his successful siege against the Byzantines in 1453.
A gorgeous red carpet covers the floor. But what makes this mosque so special and beautiful is all the light. The walls soaring up to the dome are covered with windows. Some are stained glass with pretty floral motifs in shades of red, blue, and green.
The minbar, made of white marble, has delicate lace-like carvings. It’s original—the same one seen by Mihrimah Sultan when the mosque opened in 1570.
Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque
İsmihan Sultan was one well-connected lady. Her grandfather, father, brother and uncle were all Ottoman Sultans. Hürrem Sultan was her grandmother, and Mihrimah Sultan was her aunt. While less known, İsmihan Sultan commissioned one of Istanbul’s most beautiful blue-tiled mosques, Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque. Named after her husband, Sokollu Mehmed, who was a Grand Vizier and accomplished military leader.
Designed by Mimar Sinan, the mosque opened in 1541. It’s located less than an 8-minute walk from the Blue Mosque. And if you’re hoping to see some stunning blue İznik tiles, this is the mosque for you! In addition to the fabulous tiles, there’s some lovely stained glass and above the mihrab, you can see a tiny piece of black stone from Mecca.
Yeni Valide Sultan Mosque (New Mosque)
Yeni Camii, often referred to as the New Mosque, opened over 350 years ago. It was under construction (with a few disruptions) for nearly 70 years and was not completed until 1665.
Today, the “New” Mosque is one of Istanbul’s gems. While not exactly hidden, given its prominent location, it is far less crowded than the Hagia Sophia and Süleymanyie Mosque. The decor reminds me of the Blue Mosque, but with no line-up and fewer visitors. It is decorated with beautiful İznik tiles in blue, white and green.
Its exterior has 66 domes and semi-domes and a colonnaded courtyard. Take a picture at night, as it is beautiful when lit up.
Safiye Sultan
Safiye Sultan originally commissioned the construction of the New Mosque in 1597. She influenced her husband, Sultan Murad III, and her son, Sultan Mehmet III, greatly relied on her for domestic and foreign policy.
Safiye Sultan even had a relationship with Queen Elizabeth I. While the two women never met, they exchanged letters and gifts. Elizabeth sent Safiye a carriage, which the Sultana used for outings beyond the palace. This created a scandal, as women of her standing were not supposed to be seen in public.
Turhan Sultan
The site was in ruins when Turhan Sultan took on the project to complete the New Mosque. Turhan is also responsible for building the nearby Spice Bazaar, one of Istanbul’s most popular tourist sites and a foodie destination for spices and sweets.
Turhan Sultan was one of only two women to rule the Ottoman Empire and held supreme power. Her son Mehmet IV became Sultan when he was only six years old, so Turhan and her mother-in-law Kösem served as regents.
Visiting Istanbul? Check out my Ultimate Guide for Visiting the Hagia Sophia. It has everything you need, including when to visit and how to dress to visit a mosque, plus tons of fascinating facts about this historic building.
