Istanbul's great mosques are both places of worship and some of the city's most important works of architecture. A few simple rules are all you need for a relaxed visit.
Hours
Mosques are open every day but close to visitors during prayer times. Closure usually begins a little before the prayer and lasts until it ends. At Friday midday prayers the closure is longer.
When planning your day, put mosques in the morning or afternoon and keep midday for a museum visit.
Dress
- Shoulders and knees should be covered.
- Women cover their hair; free headscarves are provided at the entrance to the large mosques.
- Shoes come off at the entrance; bags or shoe racks are provided.
Inside
- Don't walk in front of people praying or photograph them.
- Don't use flash or talk loudly.
- The visitor area is marked; don't enter the prayer area.
A note on Hagia Sophia
At Hagia Sophia, visitors don't enter the prayer area; they go up to the upper gallery through a separate entrance. The gallery visit requires a ticket, and the same dress code applies.
