The Kılıç Ali Pasha Complex is a mosque complex designed and built between 1580 and 1587 by Mimar Sinan, who at the time was in his 90s. The mosque itself was constructed in 1578-1580. It consists of a mosque, a medrese, a hamam, a türbe, and a fountain. Originally, it had been on the coastline, but since the sea in front of it has been filled again, it is now surrounded by other buildings. The complex was built on the orders of the Kapudan-i Derya (Grand Admiral) Kılıç Ali Pasha. When the Pasha was told to build the complex on the sea for being the Chief Captain, he had the mosque built on the land reclaimed from the sea.

Heavenly beauty. One of Mimar Sinan master pieces and small enough to digest and roam all corners with your eyes in a glimpse before soaking in the space with the rest of your senses.

Camii is very beautiful with fine decorations and red carpets. The name of the mosque is “Kılıç Ali Paşa” who Admiral of the Ottoman Navy. By his order, it was built along the Bosporus Strait, designed by architect Sinan who was active during the time of Suleiman.Sinan was over 90 years old when the mosque was completed in 1580. Kılıç Ali born in southern Italy, Kılıç Ali was captured by a privateer in the Ottoman Empire as a child and participated in the Battle of Preveza while still a slave. His life is rather complicated. From being a slave and Barbary pirate, he rose to the rank of naval general, governor of territories within the Ottoman Empire, and grand admiral of the Ottoman Navy, fulfilling his duties.

Masyallah, Not only we can appreciate the so beautifully designed architecture of Turkish Islamic Civilization here at the Kilic Ali Pasa Camii. We can also enjoy these magnificent, so detailed, and so beautifully designed architecture of Turkish Islamic Civilization at all the Masjid (Camii/ mosques) everywhere in Istanbul and all over Turkiye (Turkey)

At nearly 500 years old, this delightful Mosque/Masjid/Cami, is well worth visiting. Beautifully restored to capture the original design and functionality. The co-located and functioning Hamami is great too. While I am not a Muslim, these religious places are welcoming and calm (not during prayers of course), bringing respite from a busy city and the heat of summer.

This mosque was the first architectural treasure we encountered after arriving in Istanbul by ship. The architects designing mosques came up with a lot of distinctive inspiring structures. A number of these were erected in the 16th century. This is a fine example of their work. Happily, this mosque has a beautifully constructed model of the complex. Mosques by definition are open 24 hrs and available to whoever wishes to visit. Shoes off!!!

I love this mosque for isha prayer. They have one of the best reciters for due that I have ever heard. I highly recommend it. The architecture is also beautiful and the mosque is also quite hug. They close right after isha.

This mosque might get overshadowed by the larger ones in the Sultan Ahmet square but this one is no less beautiful.