Rüstem Pasha Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Tahtakale, Turkey.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque is an Ottoman place of worship in Istanbul that rises above market shops in a busy district, its interior covered with handcrafted Iznik tiles. Over 2,300 of these tiles in blue, turquoise, and red cover walls, pillars, and the prayer niche in geometric patterns.
A high official under Sultan Suleiman I commissioned this building in the mid-1500s and hired the renowned architect Mimar Sinan to design it. This construction took place during a period of major artistic and architectural flourishing under Ottoman rule.
This place served as a statement of wealth and artistic refinement for its patron, showing how powerful Ottoman officials expressed their status through religious buildings. Visitors today see this link between faith and craftsmanship woven throughout the space.
This building sits in a busy market area and is relatively easy to reach, though it closes during daily prayer times for worship. Appropriate clothing with covered arms and legs is required, and shoes must be removed before entering.
The building sits on a raised platform above the shops and stalls below, a construction choice that gives the prayer space distance from market noise. This elevated position allowed for a peaceful interior even in a tightly packed commercial area.
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