Çinili Mosque
A quiet 17th-century neighborhood mosque known for its beautiful İznik tiles. Climb the hill from Üsküdar to see the intricate ceramic work up close.
Tucked away on a slope above Üsküdar, this small Ottoman mosque from the 1600s hides one of Istanbul’s finest tile collections. The walls are covered in vivid İznik panels—floral motifs, deep blues and reds—that give the mosque its name (Çinili means “tiled”). Because it’s off the main tourist track, you’ll likely have the space almost to yourself.
The interior is intimate, not grand, so you can easily spend 15–20 minutes just studying the tiles and the carved marble mihrab. Visit outside prayer times, when the door is unlocked and the neighborhood goes about its quiet rhythm. Combine it with a walk up from the ferry docks for a slice of everyday Üsküdar life.
“See stunning original İznik tiles in an intimate setting, away from the tour buses.”
Go just after sunrise to have the place to yourself, as the neighborhood is still waking up.
Good to know
- Is Çinili Mosque free to visit?
- Free. Neighborhood mosque uphill from Üsküdar, known for its İznik tile work; outside prayer times
- How long should you spend at Çinili Mosque?
- ~30 min
- When is the best time to visit Çinili Mosque?
- Morning
- Is there a dress code at Çinili Mosque?
- Headscarf required. Women need a headscarf; everyone must cover shoulders and knees. Scarves may be lent at the entrance.
