Islam has played a significant role in shaping Turkey’s history, culture, art, and architecture for more than a thousand years. While the Republic of Turkey is a secular state that guarantees freedom of religion and belief, Islam is the country’s largest religion, and its traditions are reflected in many aspects of daily life and cultural heritage.

Visitors traveling throughout Turkey will frequently hear the call to prayer (ezan) echoing from mosque minarets five times a day. This melodic invitation to prayer is an important part of Turkey’s cultural landscape and is heard in cities, towns, and villages across the country.

People of all faiths are welcome to visit most mosques in Turkey, provided they observe appropriate dress and etiquette.

The History of Islam in Turkey

Islam spread into Anatolia through the arrival of the Seljuk Turks during the 11th century. Following the Seljuk period, the Ottoman Empire further established Islamic culture across the region through the construction of magnificent mosques, schools, charitable institutions, bridges, and public buildings.

Over the centuries, Turkish architects developed a distinctive style that blended influences from Byzantine, Seljuk, and Islamic traditions, creating some of the world’s finest examples of mosque architecture.

Today, Turkey preserves thousands of historic mosques ranging from small neighborhood places of worship to monumental imperial complexes.

The Call to Prayer (Ezan)

One of the most memorable experiences for many visitors is hearing the ezan, the Islamic call to prayer.

The call is traditionally made five times each day, inviting Muslims to perform their daily prayers while facing the holy city of Mecca.

The five daily prayer times are:

• Before sunrise (Fajr)
• Midday (Dhuhr)
• Afternoon (Asr)
• Sunset (Maghrib)
• Evening (Isha)

In many cities, the sound of multiple mosques calling to prayer creates a unique and peaceful atmosphere.

Famous Mosques in Turkey

Turkey is home to thousands of historic mosques, many of which are celebrated for their architectural beauty and historical importance.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)

One of Turkey’s most famous landmarks, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I.

Known worldwide as the Blue Mosque, it is renowned for:

• Six elegant minarets
• A magnificent central dome
• More than 20,000 blue İznik ceramic tiles
• Beautiful stained-glass windows
• Impressive Ottoman architecture

The mosque remains an active place of worship while also welcoming millions of visitors every year.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Built between 1550 and 1557 during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the masterpieces of the legendary Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.

The mosque complex includes:

• Courtyards
• Gardens
• Libraries
• Schools
• Hospitals
• Tombs

Its elegant proportions and panoramic views over the Golden Horn make it one of Istanbul’s architectural highlights.

Ulu Mosque

The Grand Mosque (Ulu Cami) of Bursa was completed in the late 14th century and is famous for its impressive interior featuring 20 domes, beautiful calligraphy, and a unique indoor fountain.

It is considered one of the finest examples of early Ottoman religious architecture.

Green Mosque

Built in the early 15th century, the Green Mosque (Yeşil Cami) is renowned for its exquisite green and turquoise İznik tiles, elegant marble decoration, and richly ornamented interior.

It is one of Bursa’s most treasured historical monuments.

Hacı Bayram Mosque

Located beside the ancient Temple of Augustus, Hacı Bayram Mosque was originally built in the 15th century and later restored during the Ottoman period.

It remains one of Ankara’s most important religious and historical sites.

Selimiye Mosque

Often regarded as the greatest masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, the Selimiye Mosque was completed in the 16th century during the reign of Sultan Selim II.

Its remarkable features include:

• One of the largest domes in Ottoman architecture
• Four elegant minarets
• Exceptional symmetry
• Beautiful interior decoration

The mosque is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Konya and the Legacy of Mevlana Rumi

The city of Konya occupies a special place in Turkey’s spiritual history.

As the capital of the Seljuk Sultanate during the 12th and 13th centuries, Konya became an important center of scholarship, philosophy, and Islamic culture.

It is most closely associated with the great Persian poet, philosopher, and Sufi mystic Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi, whose teachings of love, tolerance, and compassion continue to inspire millions around the world.

Mevlana Museum

The museum, housed within Rumi’s former dervish lodge, contains:

• Mevlana’s mausoleum
• Historic manuscripts
• Religious artifacts
• Traditional musical instruments
• Exhibitions about Sufism

The striking green-tiled dome above Mevlana’s tomb has become one of Turkey’s most recognizable landmarks.

The Whirling Dervishes

Rumi’s followers established the Mevlevi Order, known internationally as the Whirling Dervishes.

Their spiritual ceremony, called the Sema, combines music, poetry, prayer, and symbolic whirling as an expression of spiritual devotion and the search for divine love.

Today, visitors can attend Sema ceremonies in several Turkish cities, particularly in Konya during the annual Mevlana Commemoration Festival each December.

Visiting Mosques in Turkey

Most historic mosques welcome visitors outside prayer times.

Visitors are expected to observe respectful etiquette:

• Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.
• Women may be asked to cover their hair in active places of worship.
• Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall.
• Speak quietly and avoid disturbing worshippers.
• Photography is usually permitted unless otherwise indicated.

Many major mosques provide scarves and coverings for visitors when needed.

Islam has profoundly influenced Turkey’s cultural and architectural heritage, leaving behind magnificent mosques, spiritual traditions, and artistic achievements that continue to inspire visitors from around the world. From the grandeur of Istanbul’s imperial mosques to the peaceful atmosphere of Konya and the timeless teachings of Mevlana Rumi, Turkey offers a remarkable opportunity to explore one of the world’s richest Islamic cultural landscapes while celebrating its longstanding tradition of religious diversity and hospitality.