Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in the Uskudar District
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in the Uskudar District, Istanbul
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is located in Uskudar, on the Asian side of Istanbul, next to the square by the ferry piers on the shore of the Bosphorus. It was built in the 16th century by order of Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, to a design by the architect Mimar Sinan. Because of its proximity to the pier, the mosque is also known as Iskele Camii - the Pier Mosque.
This is one of Sinan's early projects, in which the features of classical Ottoman architecture are already visible. The main prayer hall has a clear, restrained composition with a central dome, and the large windows make the interior bright. In front of the entrance there is a colonnaded gallery, a single minaret rises nearby, and in the courtyard there is a sadirvan for ablutions.
Originally, this was a larger religious complex that included educational and charitable buildings, but not all of its elements have survived to the present day. The building was restored several times after earthquakes and repairs, yet the mosque has preserved its historic appearance and continues to be used for its original purpose.
For tourists, it is a convenient stop during a walk through Uskudar: it is easy to visit on the way from the waterfront, the ferries, and nearby historic sites. The mosque is interesting not only as a monument of Ottoman architecture, but also as part of the everyday life of the district, where the connection between old Istanbul and the modern city can be clearly felt.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in the Uskudar District on the map
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in the Uskudar District - Visitor Information
The domed hall and the waterfront reflect the connection between historic architecture and urban life.
Sinan's early work by the Bosphorus ferry waterfront
Inside, visitors will see a spacious hall with a domed ceiling, understated decoration, and good natural light. Important features of the design include the proportions of the space, the rows of windows, the mihrab, the minbar, and the traditional elements of an Ottoman mosque, which are perceived especially cohesively in the relatively compact interior.
During your visit, it is worth paying attention to the building's location within the urban setting of Uskudar. The mosque stands almost right by the waterfront, so it can easily be combined with a walk along the Bosphorus, a ferry ride, or a visit to the neighboring quarters. Outside prayer times, visitors are usually allowed inside, but at the entrance the rules of an active mosque must be observed and modest clothing should be worn.
Nearby are Uskudar Square, the piers, Semsi Pasha Mosque, and Maiden's Tower, which can be viewed from the shore. The easiest way to get here is by ferry from the European side of Istanbul to Uskudar, or via the Marmaray line and the metro with an exit toward the waterfront.
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Photos of the mosque and the waterfront
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