Istanbul Feature

There are a lot of mosques in Istanbul. You won't have time to see them all, but you shouldn't leave the city without taking in the beauty and spirituality of at least several that rank as some of the most stunning architectural achievements in the world:

The Blue Mosque, for the sheer spectacle of domes, semidomes, minarets, and the 20,000 shimmering blue-green Iznik tiles that lend the mosque its name.

Rüstem Pasa Cami, for Iznik tiles in a magnificent array of colors and patterns.

Süleymaniye Cami, for its size, austere beauty, the enormous dome that seems to be held up principally by divine cooperation, and the tombs of the architect Sinan, his patron Süleyman the Magnificent, and the sultan's wife, Roxelana.

Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Rüstem, for elegance, harmony, and sumptuous tile work.