Istanbul offers so many grand and awe-inspiring sights that sometimes some of the smaller beauties can be a little forgotten. Not many foreigners visit the Rüstem Pascha Mosque, but the ornate design of its wonderful decorative tiling makes it a hidden prize.
The famed architect Mimar Sinan, who served under three sultans and is responsible for some of the city's most well-known buildings, designed the mosque. It was called after the Grand Vizier Rüstem Pascha, who married one of the daughters of Suleiman the Magnificent. The Grand Vizier was immortalised by the naming of this mosque after he died in 1561.
Rüstem Pascha's main historical claim to fame is for scheming with the Sultan's wife, Roxelana, to attack Prince Mustafa's character. This lead to Mustafa's execution, and his replacement by Selim “the Sot”. Many historians argue that this series of events marks the beginning of the slow, but steady, decline of the Ottoman Empire.
The Rüstem Pascha Mosque is located in the market, at the bottom of the hill which hosts the Suleymaniye Mosque, built by Sultan Suleymaniye – a reflection of the strict hierarchy in the imperial system, with the Sultan above all else.
Follow a set of narrow steps up to the open courtyard on an elevated terrace with a view over the buzzing Spice Bazaar. Entering the mosque, the marvellous beauty of the tiles is revealed, in red, white and blue. The tiles are arranged in pleasing geometric patterns, and also in designs of different flowers. The interspersing of design with the soaring doorways and stone columns adds to the impressive effect.
The mosque is found on the Tahtakele neighbourhood in the Old City. It remains open as a place of prayer, and is therefore closed to visitors during the five daily prayer times, and also on Friday afternoons. These times are made clear by the loudspeaker calls to the faithful.
Rustem Pasha Mosque
![Rustem Pasha Mosque featuring interior views, religious elements and a mosque](https://a.travel-assets.com/findyours-php/viewfinder/images/res70/40000/40900-Rustem-Pasha-Mosque.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)
Visit Rustem Pasha Mosque
![SULTAN SÜLEYMAN APART HOTEL](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/104000000/103790000/103783800/103783794/944d07b2_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
![Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1388800/1388776/8d7a5dab_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
![Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/810000/801600/801581/10592415_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)
Seven Hills Hotel - Special Class
Reviewed on 11 Jun,2024
Tours & day trips
See all 469 activitiesOpens in new tab![Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3529724/7195e11d-a1d7-4b7a-bb78-3983c83b2954.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Private & custom tours
See all 141 activitiesOpens in new tab![Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/3529724/7195e11d-a1d7-4b7a-bb78-3983c83b2954.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour
Air, helicopter & balloon tours
See all 64 activitiesOpens in new tab![3-Day Ephesus, Pergamum & Pamukkale Tour by Plane](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/358462/a9fc4b2a-6f67-4d7d-89c6-9d06db4ae654.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
3-Day Ephesus, Pergamum & Pamukkale Tour by Plane
Food, drink & nightlife
See all 43 activitiesOpens in new tab![Taste of Two Continents: Istanbul Food Tour](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/1149774/4d981883-d87b-4c00-b32a-50172965f739.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Taste of Two Continents: Istanbul Food Tour
Shopping & fashion
See all 15 activitiesOpens in new tab![Monuments of Ottoman Empire Tour - Skip the Line Tickets](https://mediaim.expedia.com/localexpert/167602/84442401-5952-46cd-9ec5-a722c041a68f.jpg?impolicy=resizecrop&rw=500&rh=280)
Monuments of Ottoman Empire Tour - Skip the Line Tickets
Popular places to visit
Egyptian Bazaar
During your trip to Istanbul, you can find the perfect gifts to bring home at Egyptian Bazaar. Discover the area's fascinating museums and notable monuments.
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
Admire the stunning exterior architecture and captivating interior design of the grandest mosque in Istanbul.
Galata Bridge
Walk across this historic bridge to spot famous Istanbul landmarks and watch the sunset from a bar full of Turkish men contemplating life while sharing a water pipe.
Beyazit Tower
Find out about the history of Istanbul when you take a trip to Beyazit Tower. Stroll along the seaside or visit the stunning cathedral in the area.
Istanbul University
Enjoy the student vibe at Istanbul University as part of your travels around Istanbul. Experience the area's fascinating museums and acclaimed art galleries.
Top Rustem Pasha Mosque Hotel Deals
Check availability on hotels close to Rustem Pasha Mosque
![The Marmara Pera](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/20000/11700/11691/3bb01747_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1390000/1388800/1388776/8d7a5dab_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![The Marmara Taksim](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/30000/26100/26048/ba522abd_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Radisson Hotel President Old Town Istanbul](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/10000/9400/9345/96bcdc43_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![The Ritz-Carlton, Istanbul](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/1000000/570000/565600/565576/7b82a5be_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Legacy Ottoman Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1650000/1640800/1640764/1f7e1e48_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/9000000/8050000/8046700/8046669/de253ea8_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![AJWA Sultanahmet](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/16000000/15470000/15463400/15463349/5913e946_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
![Niles Hotel Istanbul - Special Class](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1590000/1583100/1583001/1812d84c_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=420&h=224&q=medium)
- Holidays and getaways similar to Rustem Pasha Mosque
- Hotels Near Rustem Pasha Mosque
- Hotels near other Attractions
- Hotels near Taksim Square
- Hotels near Blue Mosque
- Hotels near Grand Bazaar
- Hotels near Hagia Sophia
- Hotels near Galata Tower
- Hotels near Topkapi Palace
- Hotels near Mall of Istanbul
- Hotels near Bosphorus
- Hotels near Istiklal Avenue
- Hotels near Dolmabahçe Palace
- Hotels near Florya Beach
- Hotels near Basilica Cistern
- Hotels near Istanbul Cevahir Shopping and Entertainment Centre
- Hotels near Süleymaniye Mosque
- Hotels near Egyptian Bazaar
- Hotels near Emaar Square Mall
- Hotels near CNR Expo Center
- Hotels near Istinye Park