Beyazıt II Mosque and the Sahaflar Book Market

Updated on October 8, 2026

Between Beyazıt Square, the gate of Istanbul University and the Grand Bazaar, the Beyazıt II Mosque is one of the oldest imperial mosques in Istanbul still in its original state, along with the Fatih Mosque, which was rebuilt after the 1766 earthquake. Built between 1500 and 1506 for Sultan Beyazıt II, it foreshadows classical architecture: a central dome flanked by half-domes, which Sinan later brought to perfection. In its courtyard, on the Grand Bazaar side, the small Sahaflar book market (Sahaflar Çarşısı) continues a tradition of booksellers that goes back to Ottoman times. Allow 45 minutes for the mosque, the courtyard and a stroll among the stalls.

Highlights

The courtyard and the minaret

The arcaded courtyard, paved in marble, is decorated with columns of marble, granite and porphyry, some of which come from older buildings. The slender shaft of the minaret, the ablutions fountain and the portal with its alternating stone arches give an impression of great restraint.

The Sahaflar book market

Under the plane trees, booksellers offer old and second-hand books, university textbooks, maps, prints and manuscripts, mostly in Turkish, Ottoman and Oriental languages. Come above all for the atmosphere: for a rarity or an old book, compare prices and beware of "manuscripts" sold as authentic without expert appraisal.

The cemetery and the tombs

Behind the mosque, the cemetery holds the tombs of Beyazıt II and of figures such as the architect Mimar Kemaleddin. They are not always open: if the doors are closed, look at the headstones through the railings.

Beyazıt Square and the university

To the west, the monumental gate of Istanbul University opens onto the square, where you can see the campus fire tower. Check on site whether the gate is open to the public: access to the university has varied over time.

Practical info

Tips

Entry is free. The prayer hall closes to visitors during the five daily prayers and on Friday at midday; dress code: shoulders and knees covered, hair covered for women, shoes removed. The Turkish Calligraphy Art Museum (Türk Vakfı Hat Sanatları Müzesi), housed in the complex's madrasa, is closed on Mondays; closures for works have been reported, so check before coming. The bookshops are open during the day until about 7 pm and several close on Sundays, with variable hours: information noted from public sources in October 2026, to be confirmed on site. Visiting rules: visiting a mosque in Istanbul.

How to get there

Beyazıt Meydanı, Beyazıt, Fatih, Istanbul. T1 tram, Beyazıt-Kapalıçarşı stop, right by the square; M2 metro, Vezneciler station, about 5 minutes on foot. The Grand Bazaar gate (Beyazıt Kapısı) is 2 minutes away. See our guide to transport in Istanbul.