Temples & religious sites
Mihrimah Edirnekapı Mosque
Overview
The Mihrimah Edirnekapı Mosque is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque situated on the city's highest hill in Edirnekapı. Commissioned by Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, and designed by architect Mimar Sinan, the structure is notable for its high central dome and extensive windows that fill the interior with natural light.
Getting There
From central hubs like Eminönü, take the T1 tram to Topkapı and transfer to the T4 tram to Edirnekapı station, or take a direct municipal bus from Eminönü or Taksim. Expect the journey to take 35 to 50 minutes depending on traffic.
Time to Allow
Set aside 30 to 45 minutes to explore the interior prayer hall and the outer courtyard.
When to Visit
Visit on weekday mornings or early afternoons for good natural lighting through the windows. Avoid daily prayer times, particularly the Friday midday prayer when access for sightseers is restricted. This site receives far fewer visitors than Sultanahmet mosques and rarely experiences heavy crowds.
Nearby Attractions
You can combine your visit with several nearby historic landmarks:
- Chora Church (0.4 km)
- Pammakaristos Church (0.9 km)
- Church of the Holy Apostles (1.6 km)
- Fatih Istanbul Mosque (1.6 km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors