Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque

Overview

Perched on Istanbul's fifth hill, the Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque is one of the quietest and most serene imperial mosques, offering sweeping views over the Golden Horn without the crowds of Sultanahmet.

Highlights

• Courtyard views: The elevated courtyard commands panoramic views of the Golden Horn and Eyüp.
• Sombre interior: Austere compared to later imperial mosques, reflecting Selim I's military character.
• Royal tombs: Sultan Selim I and several later royals are buried in the garden cemetery.

History

Completed in 1528 for Sultan Selim I, conqueror of Egypt and guardian of Mecca, the mosque is one of Istanbul's oldest imperial foundations.

Visitor Tips

• Tip: Almost no tourists visit—this is a genuinely local discovery.
• Duration: 20–30 minutes.