If you’re looking for places to understand Turkey’s art, architecture, history, culture, and faith, some of the best places to visit are its mosques. With more than 3,000 mosques in Istanbul alone, we’ll take you on a half day walking tour of some of the city’s most beloved places of worship.

We’ll meet at the Sultanahmet area and stroll to our first mosque, Hagia Sophia. Built in the sixth century A.D. by the Byzantine emperor Justinian I, this famous mosque was originally an Orthodox Christian cathedral in early day Constantinople (now Istanbul). In its nearly 1,500 years, this iconic landmark has been used as a Catholic church, mosque, and museum.

Up next, we’ll head to the magnificent Blue Mosque. The mosque was originally named The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, after Sultan Ahmed I who built it. Back in the early 1600s, mosques were built only by sultans who had achieved success in war. Despite having no colorful achievements to his name and against his counselors’ advice, Sultan Ahmed built this grand edifice that would serve as his most lasting legacy. Today, it is nicknamed the Blue Mosque due to the blue hue coming from the blue tiles outlaid in geometric patterns and floral designs in the mosque.

Our last stop of the day is Suleymaniye Mosque. Located on the Third Hill of Istanbul, the Suleymaniye was known as the largest mosque in the city for more than 450 years before it was dethroned of its title in 2019. Other than its stunning size, this mosque was also designed by the renowned architect Mimar Sinan, one of the most notable figures in Istanbul’s architectural history.

Be prepare to stop at a historical madrasah to try local drinks!