Arap Mosque
A former Dominican church from 1325, now a mosque in Karaköy, and Istanbul's only surviving medieval Gothic building.
Built in 1325 by Dominican friars, this was a Roman Catholic church dedicated to Saint Paul. It’s the only church in Istanbul that still holds onto its medieval Gothic bones, though the Ottomans converted it into a mosque and added things like a minaret where the bell tower once stood.
Today, it’s an active place of worship in Karaköy. You can step inside between prayers to see the mix of pointed arches and Islamic calligraphy. The location, tucked among narrow streets near the Golden Horn, makes it a calm break from the district’s busy cafés.
“To see Istanbul's only Gothic medieval church, now a mosque with a bell-tower minaret.”
Enter from the side street, not the main road; the backstreet café makes a good Turkish coffee for a break.
Good to know
- Is Arap Mosque free to visit?
- Free. Former Gothic church with a bell-tower minaret; outside prayer times
- How long should you spend at Arap Mosque?
- ~30 min
- When is the best time to visit Arap Mosque?
- Morning
- Is there a dress code at Arap Mosque?
- Headscarf required. Scarves provided at the entrance. Closed to tourists during the five daily prayer times.
