Üsküdar: mosques and seafront on Istanbul's Asian side

Updated on October 1, 2026

Üsküdar, on the Asian shore facing the old city, is one of Istanbul's oldest districts and one of its most conservative. Around the pier and the main square stand several Ottoman mosques, including two works by the architect Sinan on the waterfront, and the Salacak promenade, which faces the Maiden's Tower and the skyline of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. The district can be explored freely and at no cost; you get there by ferry or on the Marmaray, the train that runs under the Bosphorus. Allow half a day for the waterfront mosques and the promenade, a full day if you add the hilltop mosques and Çamlıca hill.

Highlights

Şemsi Pasha Mosque

Built by Sinan in 1580-1581 for the vizier Şemsi Ahmed Pasha, this small mosque set on the quayside is one of the architect's most modest works, and one of the most photogenic. Locals nickname it Kuşkonmaz, "the one where birds do not land". It is a few minutes' walk south of the pier.

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

Facing the pier, this mosque completed in 1548 by Sinan for Mihrimah, daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, is also called İskele Camii, "the pier mosque". Its wide covered portico precedes a domed prayer hall lit by many windows. On the nearby square, the Fountain of Ahmed III, from 1728, is a fine example of a decorated Ottoman fountain.

The Grand Çamlıca Mosque

Opened in 2019 at the top of Çamlıca hill, it is the largest mosque in Turkey, recognisable by its six minarets visible from all over the city. The park on the hill offers a wide view over the Bosphorus and both shores. To get up there, take the M5 metro to Kısıklı or Bulgurlu, then a bus or a taxi: the walk up from the metro is steep.

Yeni Valide Mosque

On Üsküdar square, this mosque was built from 1708 to 1710 by Sultan Ahmed III for his mother, Gülnuş Emetullah, whose open tomb, covered only by a grille, can be seen from the street.

Atik Valide Mosque

On the heights, about twenty minutes' walk from the pier, this large complex by Sinan, completed in 1583 for Nurbanu Sultan, mother of Murad III, brings together a mosque, an arcaded courtyard and former outbuildings. Its prayer hall retains Iznik tiles.

Çinili Mosque

Not far from Atik Valide, this 1640 mosque, founded by Kösem Sultan, owes its name ("the tiled mosque") to the Iznik tiles covering its interior walls.

The Salacak seafront

South of the pier, the promenade follows the coast to Harem, facing the [Maiden's Tower](/fr/attractions/tour-de-leandre) and Seraglio Point. Locals and visitors settle on the steps and benches for the sunset, with tea and simit sellers nearby.

Infos pratiques

Tips

The mosques are active places of worship: entry is free, but they close to visitors during the five daily prayers, and for longer on Friday around midday for the main weekly prayer. Covering clothing is required: legs and shoulders covered for everyone, hair covered for women; shoes are removed at the entrance. Be discreet and do not photograph worshippers at prayer. The district is conservative: modest dress also applies in the streets. To combine with the rest of the Asian side, see our guide to [Kadıköy and Moda](/fr/articles/kadikoy-rive-asiatique-istanbul), or head up the Bosphorus to [Beylerbeyi Palace](/fr/attractions/palais-de-beylerbeyi).

How to get there

Üsküdar square and pier (Üsküdar Meydanı), Üsküdar, Istanbul. By ferry: from Eminönü and Karaköy (Şehir Hatları) and from Beşiktaş (Şehir Hatları and Dentur Avrasya), in 15 to 20 minutes. By train: Marmaray, Üsküdar station, one stop from Sirkeci under the Bosphorus. By metro: line M5, Üsküdar station, towards the eastern districts and Çamlıca. Tickets and cards: see our guide to [getting around Istanbul](/fr/articles/transports-istanbul).