Religious site

Hisar Mosque

4.5 · 189 reviews·A top pick in Izmir
Hisar MosqueFrancisco Anzola · Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
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Hisar Mosque is the largest and most impressive Ottoman mosque in İzmir, built in 1592 by the governor Aydınoğlu Yakup Bey. Its name, meaning 'fortress mosque,' comes from its location on the site of a former Byzantine castle. The mosque features a spacious courtyard with a marble fountain, a prayer hall covered by a large central dome, and two slender minarets. Inside, intricate floral and calligraphic tilework adorns the walls, while the mihrab and minbar are carved from marble. The mosque remains an active place of worship, so visitors should dress modestly and avoid prayer times.

Don't miss

  • Ornate 18th-century tile panels with floral and geometric patterns
  • Marble mihrab and minbar with detailed carvings
  • Peaceful courtyard with a şadırvan (ablution fountain) shaded by trees

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Hisar Mosque

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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