Nomad Journal 5

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

On this trip, we took the T1 Tram heading east toward Eminönü Station. The tram stops are easy to find, both at the stations and on the tram itself. You can use Google Maps to view the full tram line and stops, which makes planning ahead super convenient. Eminönü is one of the busiest and most vibrant areas in Istanbul, full of markets, shops, and one of the city's main ferry ports—a hub of local life and energy.

We spent some time wandering around, soaking in the sights, sounds, and smells, and then made our way to one of the city’s most famous markets—the Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı).

Explore the Egyptian Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı): A Treasure Trove for Muslim Travelers in Istanbul

If you’re a Muslim traveler seeking to soak in the rich culture and Islamic heritage of Istanbul, the Egyptian Bazaar, locally known as Mısır Çarşısı, is a must-visit destination. Located in the heart of Eminönü, near the historic Yeni Camii (New Mosque), this bustling market dates back to the 17th century. Built during the Ottoman era in 1664, it was originally funded by taxes on goods from Egypt—hence the name. Today, it’s one of Istanbul’s most iconic spice markets, buzzing with both locals and visitors from around the world.

Walking through the bazaar feels like stepping into a different era. The old-world charm, with its arched ceilings, intricate Ottoman tilework, and the intoxicating mix of scents—saffron, rosewater, cinnamon—truly transports you back in time. You’ll find rows of colorful stalls selling dates, nuts, dried fruits, Turkish delight (lokum), and a dazzling array of spices—perfect souvenirs for Muslim travelers looking to take home a taste of Turkey.

The Egyptian Bazaar is more than just a shopping spot—it’s a cultural experience. Vendors often offer samples, so don’t be surprised if you’re handed a cube of Turkish delight or a sweet stuffed fig. While many sellers are friendly and generous, some can be a little pushy. Just smile, say “No, thank you” (or “Teşekkürler” in Turkish), and move along. No pressure needed!

Whether you're looking for halal snacks, unique gifts, or just want to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, the Egyptian Bazaar is an unforgettable stop that will engage all your senses. Don't forget your camera—and your appetite!

After we’d tasted just about everything and picked up a few treats to take home, it was time for Zuhr prayer. The adhan (call to prayer) echoes loud and clear across Istanbul—something we never got tired of hearing. While there’s a prayer area inside the bazaar, I recommend heading next door to one of the city's most beautiful mosques: Yeni Camii.

Yeni Camii (The New Mosque)

Yeni Camii in Eminönü is a must-see for anyone exploring Islamic sites in Istanbul. Despite its name, this “New” Mosque is over 350 years old! Construction began in 1597 by Safiye Sultan, the wife of Sultan Murad III, and after several delays, it was finally completed in 1665. The mosque can hold over 2,500 worshipers, and its location along the Golden Horn makes it one of Istanbul’s most iconic silhouettes.

Inside, the mosque offers a peaceful retreat from the busy city. You’ll see a breathtaking mix of Iznik tilework, stained glass windows, and cascading domes. The prayer area is flooded with natural light, creating a warm and calming space. Outside, the courtyard is full of life—pigeons fluttering, people gathering, and a gentle buzz that somehow feels both active and serene.

Its central location makes Yeni Camii a great place to pause for prayer after visiting the bazaar or before taking a ferry ride. There are plenty of halal food options nearby, along with local vendors and scenic spots to sit and relax. Whether you’re here for salah or just soaking in the history, this mosque is a spiritual and cultural gem.

Next, we decided to take a short ferry ride to the Asian side of Istanbul. The ferry station is conveniently close by, and you can use the same Istanbulkart(card) you used for the tram. Just check the departure times and routes at the station, as there are multiple destinations on the Asian side and even longer routes around the Bosphorus. On other days, we explored other routes along the Bosphorus by ferry, which I highly recommend if you have the time. But this time, we headed for Üsküdar, one of the most charming and historic districts in Istanbul.

The ferry ride took about 15–20 minutes, and it was one of our favorite experiences as a family. You get amazing views of Istanbul’s skyline, including several famous mosques. If the weather is nice, head to the top deck and grab a seat up front for the best views. We ended up doing this multiple times throughout our stay—it never got old.

Üsküdar: Timeless Charm on Istanbul’s Asian Side

Üsküdar, located across the Bosphorus on Istanbul’s Asian side, is a culturally rich district with deep Islamic roots. Known in ancient times as Chrysopolis, Üsküdar has long been a gateway between Europe and Asia. During the Ottoman era, it became an important center for religious life, with mosques, schools, and charitable foundations scattered throughout the area. Today, it retains a traditional and authentic Turkish feel, making it a peaceful and meaningful stop for Muslim travelers.

We walked along the Üsküdar waterfront, where locals strolled, vendors sold snacks and trinkets, and the view of Istanbul from across the water was simply stunning. After some time enjoying the breeze, we visited the nearby Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, one of the most notable mosques in the district.

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Üsküdar

This stunning mosque was commissioned by Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Sultan Suleiman, and designed by the legendary Mimar Sinan in the 16th century. It holds about 2,000 worshipers and stands as a symbol of Ottoman elegance along the waterfront. The structure is beautifully balanced, with a central dome, clean architectural lines, and a peaceful courtyard just steps from the sea.

One of the best things about this mosque is its proximity to the ferry terminal. After you disembark, it's just a short walk. The views of the Bosphorus from the courtyard are breathtaking, and the atmosphere inside is quiet and spiritually uplifting. The area around the mosque is full of halal food stalls, tea gardens, and small shops, making it a great spot to explore at a relaxed pace.

Try to visit around sunrise or Maghrib for an especially beautiful experience. The golden light reflecting off the stone walls and the sound of the adhan drifting across the water is something you’ll never forget.

After prayer, we stopped at one of the many restaurants along the Bosphorus. Many places have rooftop or upper-floor seating, perfect for enjoying a traditional Turkish meal with a view. We had a traditional Turkish sample platter, fresh bread, and tea while taking in the sights before hopping on the ferry back to the European side.

A short tram ride later, we were back at our place—exhausted but so happy, reflecting on another amazing day in Türkiye.

Nomad Journal 6

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

Full Product Recommendation Page

Please see our list of blogs to learn more, and you can contact us directly at muslimfamilynomad@gmail.com for any questions and even set up a consultation.

** Disclaimer: We are compensated for some of the links provided in this article if you purchase something, but we only recommend what we have used and found successful or we have done some research to find. This blog should not be used as financial advice and we are not travel agents, we are just letting you know our opinions from real life experience. May Allah bless you and your family on your travels!