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The Rüstem Pasha Mosque (Rüstem Paşa Camii) is often overlooked by more famous attractions in Istanbul. This hidden gem is located in Eminönü, just a short walk from the Spice Bazaar.
History
The Rüstem Pasha Mosque was built for Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha. It was designed by Mimar Sinan (c. 1490 – 1588) and constructed between 1561 and 1563. The mosque was built on a terrace above a complex of shops in the Straw Weavers Market (Hasırcılar Çarşısı). Rents from the shops were intended to contribute to its financial support and maintenance.
The Rüstem Pasha Mosque is richly decorated with Iznik tiles, for which the mosque is famous. In fact, there’s no other mosque in Istanbul with such elaborate use of Iznik tiles.
Rüstem Paşa
Rüstem Pasha (c. 1505 – 1561) served under Süleyman the Magnificent and married his daughter, Mihrimah Sultan. His brother, Sinan Pasha (d. 1553), was the Grand Admiral (Kaptan-ı Derya) of the Ottoman Navy. Rüstem Pasha was of Bosnian origin and brought to Constantinople as a boy under the devşirme system. He quickly rose through the ranks and befriended Süleyman.
Although he lived a modest life, he accumulated vast amounts of wealth and contributed greatly to the development of the Ottoman Empire. Rüstem Pasha was known for his honesty and was one of the few Ottoman officials who wouldn’t take a bribe. He died on July 10, 1561, of hydrocephalus.
Features
A narrow set of stairs leads to the courtyard, which contains a double porch. This is where visitors can see the use of Iznik tiles for the first time.
The prayer hall is stunning. It’s adorned with Iznik tiles on all the walls, minbar, and mihrab. There are about 80 different patterns of decorations in all.
