How about a little hidden treasure today? We are standing before the R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa Mosque. Many call it a miniature Blue Mosque. But this one is without the crowds. It is a little tricky to find. But it is well worth the effort.
R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa Mosque offers stunning beauty inside. It feels like a little oasis in a hectic area. This mosque is named after R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa. He was the Grand Vizier to S\u00fcleyman the Magnificent. He also became S\u00fcleyman’s son-in-law.
The famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan designed it. Construction took place between 1561 and 1563. R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa actually died in 1561. So, he never saw his mosque completed.
What makes R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa Mosque special? It is the gorgeous interior. Turkey’s famous Iznik tiles cover it. These blue tiles have intricate floral and geometric patterns. There are around 2300 tiles in about 80 different patterns.
These tiles show an early use of Armenian bole. This is a tomato-red pigment. It became a characteristic of Iznik pottery. The red hue is thickest on tiles near the qibla wall. That makes them appear scarlet.
Interestingly, some tiles use sage green and dark manganese purple. These colors are from the earlier “Damascus ware” scheme. However, the mosque lacks the olive green found in Damascus tiles. The bright emerald green color appears later. It is only on a panel above an exterior doorway.
Sinan usually emphasized building structure over decoration. The R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa Mosque is different. It relies heavily on Iznik tiling. No other mosque uses Iznik tiles so lavishly. Later, Sinan used tiles more sparingly.
R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa re-entered popular culture recently. It happened in the Turkish TV show “Muhte\u015fem Y\u00fczy\u0131l.” The show was about S\u00fcleyman the Magnificent. R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa was married to one of his daughters in the show.
The R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa Mosque sits on a high terrace. Vaulted shops below support the mosque financially. This elevation makes it stand out. It becomes a visible part of Istanbul’s skyline.
The main dome rests on four semi-domes. These are on the diagonals of the building. To the north and south, galleries are supported by pillars.
Inside, the qibla wall is unique. It mixes traditional tiles with new painting styles. The wall features mostly blue tiles in various shades. Some Armenian bole adds an accent. The R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa Border is emblematic. It has cobalt tiles, a white rosace, and turquoise details.
The mihrab is shaped like a half-dodecagon. Calligraphy is featured between the mihrab frames. Above them, there are three windows.
If you want to see more of Sinan’s work, check out other mosques. There is the S\u00fcleymaniye Mosque. And the Kiliç Ali Pa\u015fa Mosque complex. Also, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque.
Remember to remove your shoes when visiting. Socks are a good idea for hygiene. Take your time here at R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa Mosque. Let yourself be captivated by the tiles. Appreciate the artistry and history around you. It is a testament to Ottoman craftsmanship. It is a lasting legacy of R\u00fcstem Pa\u015fa.