Nomad Journal 1

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

We landed in Istanbul, Türkiye, in late summer —our first stop on this exciting new nomadic journey. Since we had never been to Türkiye before, we weren’t entirely sure what to expect beyond what we had heard from others. We booked an airport transfer to our Airbnb through Booking.com, and everything went smoothly. As we drove into Istanbul—about a 45-minute ride from Istanbul Airport (IST)—we were mesmerized by the breathtaking skyline filled with beautiful mosques. It was an incredible first glimpse of the rich Islamic history and culture we would be experiencing over the next few months.

We chose to stay close to the heart of Istanbul, ensuring easy access to the main mosques and historical sites. Upon arrival, we were greeted by the property manager, and the first thing we did was turn on all the air conditioners—it was hot and humid! Our Airbnb was small but cozy, spread over two floors, with all the amenities we needed. But the best part? Two balconies overlooking the residential streets and the stunning Sea of Marmara. Many mornings and evenings were spent there, sipping tea and coffee while soaking in the views—it was the perfect way to start and end our days.

After settling in, we made it a priority to attend Maghrib and Isha at a nearby mosque. I had already checked the area digitally before our trip, so I knew there was a masjid just a two-minute walk from our place. It was a small mosque, and we later discovered that Istanbul is filled with these charming neighborhood masjids. Stepping inside, we got our first taste of Turkish mosque architecture—beautifully decorated with intricate details and Islamic calligraphy. What truly stood out was the Quran recitation and the post-prayer dhikr. The imam recited in a unique and beautiful style that was different from what we had experienced before.

After prayers, the next mission was food! We had planned to explore the local grocery stores in the morning, but after a long journey, we just needed something quick for dinner. Thankfully, there were plenty of options nearby but you just have to be careful as some do serve alcohol, and we grabbed some delicious shawarma before heading back to rest. This city was going to be our home for the next three months!

The next morning, we woke up to the serene sound of the Fajr adhan echoing from the local mosque—a truly unforgettable experience. Over the next few days, we familiarized ourselves with the neighborhood, locating grocery stores, a butcher, and (to our delight) more than a dozen mosques—all within a seven-minute walk! One morning, we headed out for Fajr at our local mosque, only to find the doors closed. A kind brother noticed and motioned for us to follow him. A few minutes later, we arrived at a breathtaking sight—Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque. I had to pause outside for a moment just to take it all in. This was our first visit to one of Istanbul’s grand mosques, and it did not disappoint.

The Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque in Istanbul is one of the most beautiful yet underrated masterpieces of Mimar Sinan architecture. Built in 1571–1572 for Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmet Pasha, this stunning Ottoman mosque is located near the historic Sultanahmet area. Stepping inside, you’ll immediately feel the spiritual serenity created by the high domes, intricate Iznik tiles, and beautiful Ottoman calligraphy. There was no pictures allowed inside so you will have to visit yourself to see it. One common feature of these Ottoman mosques is the attached graveyard, where many significant figures from Ottoman history are buried. As you walk through, you’ll see intricately carved tombstones marking the resting places of scholars, statesmen, and religious figures. Unlike larger mosques, this one offers an intimate and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect place for prayer in Istanbul away from the crowds.

We were later told by a local historian that within the mosque there are shards of the Black Stone(Hajre- Aswad) placed in different places within the mosque(dome, minaret, entrance, pulpit). According to the historian, these were gifted to the architect of the mosque because he helped design part of Al-Haram in Makkah during the Ottoman era. Whether you’re a local looking for a quiet place to pray or a traveler on a journey to discover Muslim heritage in Turkey, the Mehmet Pasha Mosque in Istanbul is a must-see.

Istanbul had already captivated us within our first few days. The deep Islamic heritage, the accessibility of mosques, the hospitality of the locals, and, of course, the delicious food made us feel right at home. We couldn’t wait to continue exploring more of this historic city over the next three months! Stay tuned for more of our experiences in Türkiye, in shaa Allah!

Nomad Journal 2 - Exploring Istanbul

Learn more about Türkiye here

Nomad Links

Flights: Google Flights

Stays: Trip.com

VPN Routers: GL.iNet GL-MT6000 - GL.iNet GL-AXT1800 - Tenda AX3000 WiFi Router

VPN Services: SurfShark, NordVPN

Temu: Temu App Download

Esim: AloSIM

Airport Transfers: Trip.com

Car Rental: Qeeq.com

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