Best places to see Turkish tiles in Istanbul

(Turkey 40/48)

The dancing blues of Turkish tiles, also known as Iznik, are not to be overlooked in Istanbul. The tiles have been used to decorate walls and buildings in the city for hundreds of years. In some places you can see tens of thousands at once. In others you can get right up close and see the very brush stroke of the artists who made them. Here are the best places in city to find them.

The tiles are named for the city of Iznik where they were traditionally made. Their style stems from Islamic art which forbids the depictions of people or animals. Instead the tiles depict floral and geometric motifs. Those familiar with Delft in the Netherlands and azulejos in Portugal and Spain will recognize similarities. Typically the tiles are blue, though Turkish style also uses red and green. Whether decorating mosques or in museums, there are many great places to get up close and adore them (scroll to the bottom for an interactive map).

Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque)

This one has to go first. The tiles of the Sultan Ahmet Mosque are so iconic and impressive that they give the mosque its more common nickname: the Blue Mosque. Unfortunately, the mosque is currently under construction so many of the tiles are hidden. Additionally, the mosque is very busy and with the construction even more cramped than usual. The mosque boasts an eclectic collection of different types and styles, but you can’t get close to them. Still, you would be remiss to visit Istanbul and skip the Blue Mosque (speaking from personal experience). It is still functioning as a mosque, so you cannot visit during prayer time and you must dress appropriately. Scarves and skirts are provided.

Sultan Ahmet Mosque Mausoleum

After visiting the mosque, be sure to head over to the mausoleum. Few people go there so it’s intimate and quiet. The best part is you can get up close to the tiles and really admire the handiwork (but DON’T TOUCH). The same dress code for the mosque applies to the mausoleum.

Topkapi Palace

After the Blue Mosque, the next best known place to see tiles is Topkapi Palace. The palace is now a museum so it does not have the same dress code and rules (except in the Sacred Relics section). The Palace is worth a visit on its own, offering stunning views and priceless historical artifacts as well as stunning tile work. The best views are from near the Circumcision Room.

Entry to the palace is included on the Istanbul Museum Pass. For a complete guide on uses the Museum Pass, look here:

Istanbul Museum Pass: Everything you need to know

Topkapi Palace Harem

Once inside Topkapi Palace you have the option to purchase an additional ticket into the Harem (if you have the Museum Pass you can use that to enter the Harem as well). Absolutely buy it! The Harem is hands down the best place to see and get up close to the largest number of Iznik tiles in Istanbul. In addition to the classic 15th and 16th century tiles, there are some more modern examples which show a heavy influence from the Portuguese and Dutch styles as well. Currently the Harem ticket is an additional 35 lira to enter. You can’t visit only the Harem, you must first enter the Topkapi Palace Museum.

The Tiled Kiosk Museum (Istanbul Archaeological Museums)

This museum is my favorite hidden gem in Istanbul and it’s not even hiding! Tucked away near the Topkapi Palace are the Istanbul Archaeological Museums. These three museums are entered using one ticket (also included in the Museum Pass). My favorite of these is the Tiled Kiosk Museum. The museum is literally made inside a tiled kiosk (I know, clever). Inside you can learn about the history and styles of the tiles as well as admire some great examples. Bonus: you can visit a super cute cafe inside the complex and admire the kiosk with a coffee.

Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque

This small mosque is another hidden gem. It’s small, intimate and covered in Turkish tiles. Like most mosques in the city, you are free to visit outside of prayer times. Because this mosque isn’t well known, it does not get many visitors so it may not have scarves or skirts available (I brought my own). Photos are not allowed inside (unless you’re a professional like here), but here is a photo of the outside. Overlooking the Marmara, it is also a great area to visit for sunset.

Suleymaniye Mosque Mausoleums

Refreshingly, the Suleymaniye Mosque is one of a few mosques not currently under construction. While the mosque itself is impressive, for tiles head to its mausoleums. They’re much quieter than the mosque itself. There are two big mausoleums you can visit. Again, follow the dress codes and the mosque is closed during prayer times. The complex around the mosque also offers stunning views of Galata Tower and the Golden Horn.

Bonus: Rustem Pasha Mosque

If you ask any local or consult any reputable guide, they will all tell you the best place to see Turkish tiles in Istanbul is the Rustem Pasha Mosque. To my bitter disappointment, the mosque is currently closed for restoration. It’s completely gut-wrenching to me. Some say it’s likely to be opened again in 2019. The guard I asked said it’ll be closed for another two years. Hopefully we’ll all be able to visit it again soon. Here‘s a peak at what we’re all missing.

Interactive Map

Here’s a map of all the locations. Opening hours, costs, and other important information included.  It’s interactive, so explore away!

Are you as obsessed with tiles as I am?! Any other places in Istanbul or elsewhere to see them?

For more on Istanbul check out Kelsey’s article:

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If you’re planning on visiting Istanbul soon, here is a helpful guide to buying the Istanbul Museum Pass (I highly recommend it!):