Laleli Mosque

The Laleli Mosque is one of the smaller Ottoman imperial mosques located in Faith district of Istanbul. Also known as the Tulip Mosque, it was built by Sultan Mustafa III in the 18th century. The complex houses a mosque, madrasa, a fountain, and the tombs of Sultan Mustafa III and his family. The central dome is quite an attraction as are the minarets and the metal decoration on top of them.

Built on a raised terrace over a row of shops, Laleli Mosque also has a great hall underneath. The Baroque-designed mosque is most cherished for its quiet and peaceful interiors. The walls are colorful in marble hues of blue, red, yellow, and brown. They are also further beautified using semi-precious stones, such as jasper and onyx. The mimbar (pulpit) and mihrab (qibla or wall that gives direction to pray) inside the mosque also look splendid as they are richly adorned with stones and marbles. The serenity of the interiors gives way to the hustle and bustle of the city when one climbs over the terrace to watch the adjoining city area. There is also a marketplace around the mosque complex with shops selling household items and textiles.