Most well-known Islamic sacred places in Turkey.
The majority of the Turkish population is Muslim. As Muslim country, Turkey is the only secular country in the world. The mosques and other sacred sites are the heart of cultural significance for Muslims, and if you feel the need to enter one, you should show proper respect for the traditions. Turkey has a rich cultural and religious heritage. Turkey is famous for its holy mosques and Ottoman architecture. Dominating an empire for close to 500 years, the Ottoman Sultans realized the importance of these sacred sites of all faith and preserved and protected them. Turkey has a rich heritage of religious and civil architecture, of mosques and tombs and of sites of faith. Now it is time for you to come to Turkey for inspiration in these holy lands. Here is a list of Turkey’s largest and most beautiful mosques, which includes some world renowned sacred sites, tombs and madrasas for Muslim people as well.
Sacred places in Istanbul
Turkey, especially İstanbul is famous for Muslim sacred places. There are many religious places in İstanbul that millions of Muslim people visit in a year. İstanbul has an ancient Islamic history and so there are many important structures considered as pilgrimage sites. İstanbul was the capital of the caliphship for many years. Therefore, this city has a magnificent Islamic legacy that every Muslim should see. Not only İstanbul, but also the surrounding cities Edirne and Bursa have very important holy places. Topkapi Palace Holy Relics, Eyup Sultan Mosque and Tomb, Suleymaniye Mosque, Blue Mosque, New Mosque, Rustem Pasha Mosque, Fatih Mosque, Sehzade Mosque, Ortakoy Mosque, Beyazit Mosque, Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque are some of the most visited Muslim holy places to visit. Now let’s look at the religious places you have to visit in İstanbul, Edirne, and Bursa. Of course, there are many but here is the list of most popular ones. You will see that they are not only important sacred buildings but also architecturally beautiful structures. You will be amazed by those historical sites. Check out the best Istanbul Islamic Sacred Places Tours!
Sacred places in Edirne
The elegant soul of Ottoman emerges here. Come and visit the gorgeous mosques, churches, synagogues and other holy sites. Selimiye Mosque, Old Mosque, Uc Serefeli Mosque, Bulgarian Church of Sweti George, Great Synagogue, Muradiye Mosque, Gazimihal Mosque, Bahai House (White House), Enez Castle and Enez Hagia Sophia, Kesan Hersekzade Mosque, Ipsala Alaca Mustafa Pasha Mosque, Ioannes Church, Has Yunus Bey Tomb. Selimiye Mosque was designed by Great Sinan (Mimar Sinan) and this structure is considered to be Sinan’s best work. Also, he defined this structure as his masterpiece. In Turkey, this kind of complex called “külliye”. Because Selimiye is not only a mosque but also a very big complex. It is consist of theological schools which is called as “medrese”, a bazaar called “arasta”, a library and many courtyards. Selimiye complex is also in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 2011. With Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex, Sultan Bayezid Comple & Old Mosque are also considered as the greatest examples of sacred places. Check the most recomended Muslim Islamic Tours including Edirne.
Sacred places in Konya
Konya is one of Turkey’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and was known as Iconium in Roman times. As the capital of the Seljuk Turks from the 12th to the 13th centuries, it ranks as one of the great cultural centres of Turkey. During that period of cultural, political and religious growth, the mystic Mevlana Celaleddin-i Rumi founded a Sufi order known in the West as the Whirling Dervishes. The striking green-tiled mausoleum of Mevlana is Konya’s most famous building. On the other side, The Alaeddin Mosque was built on the site of Konya’s old citadel dating from 1221. To one side of the mosque are the remains of the Seljuk Imperial Palace. The Karatay Madrasah, now a museum, displays bold and striking Seljuk ceramics. On the other side of the mosque, the İnce Minareli Madrasah of 1264 is remarkable for its marvellous baroque Seljuk portal. Today , The Mevlana Celaleddin i-Rumi Museum, Alaeddin Mosque, Karatay Madrasa, Esrefoglu Mosque are internationally visited by so many tourist and consider as world know holy place of Turkey. Check out our most enjoyable Islamic Sacred Places Daily or package tours including Konya & Mevlana Rumi Madrasa.
Sacred places in Bursa
Bursa is one of the larger modern cities but was once the capital of historic Ottoman Empire in Turkey and is located close to the slopes of the Uludag Mountain, which is the hub for winter activities in Turkey. The city is known for its beautiful mosques and charming Ottoman architecture. There are a large number of Muslim-facilities in Bursa that make it a wonderful destination to enjoy halal holidays. Some famous mosques in the city include Ulu Cami or the Great Mosque of Bursa, Green Mosque, Orhan Mosque, Emir Sultan Mosque, Muradiye Mosque, Koca Sinan Paşa Mosque, etc. The Grand Mosque is the most impressive mosque in Bursa. After the Grand Mosque, many tourists visit Green Mosque. The green mosque name was given because of the green tiles of the interior design. Another popular sacred place for Muslims is; Ertugrul Ghazi’s Tomb which is also at the Sogut province in Bursa. Step back in time and enrich yourself with the rich history of Sogut. Walk in the foot steps of our great hero Ertugrul Gazi. This is a must for any fans of the smash hit Netflix series Dirilis Ertugrul. Check out our different kind of Islamic Istanbul & Bursa packages including Green Mosque & Ertugrul Ghazi tomb and more!
Sacred Places in Sivas
Sivas is a city of historical significance to Turkey. The resolution to liberate the country from the occupying forces was adopted during a national congress convened here in 1919. The architectural monuments of Sivas reflect this prominent position. The Ulu Mosque dates from the Danişmend Emirate and the Seljuk buildings include the 13th-century İzzeddin Keykavus Şifahanesi, which was a hospital and a medical school, the beautifully decorated Gök Madrasah, the twin minarets of the Çifte Minare Madrasah and the Buruciye Madrasah. The Divriği Ulu Mosque and some of the unique features of this masterpiece of Islamic architecture include the highly sophisticated technique of vault construction and a creative, exuberant type of decorative sculpture. This is particularly evident on the three doorways in contrast to the unadorned walls of the interior. Check out our best Islamic Muslim tour packages & daily tours.
Sacred places in Sanliurfa
Urfa’s Balıklıgöl (Pool of Sacred Fish), in the courtyard of the Halil-ur-Rahman Mosque, has become the stuff of legends and involved the Prophet Abraham himself. Check out the story that has made the many carp fish in the pool so sacred. Şanlıurfa, with its wealth of biblical associations, is known as the “Jerusalem of Anatolia” and regarded as a holy site by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike. According to the Old Testament, the Prophet İbrahim (Abraham), “the father of three monotheistic religions”, was born in the city of Ur and he, together with his family, migrated to Harran- the “home of the patriarchs”. With Halilur Rahman Mosque, The Prophet Eyub’s Tomb. Göbeklitepe, Sacred Fish Ponds, Dergah Complex, Grand Mosque, Selahattin Eyubi Mosque Sanliurfa is one of the most well know sacred places of Turkey. Check out our 11 Days Islamic Muslim Heritage Package Tour including the sacred sites; Sanliurfa, Edirne, Adana, Konya, Istanbul and more!
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