Nomad Journal 6 Turkiye

بِسْمِ ٱللَّٰهِ ٱلرَّحْمَٰنِ ٱلرَّحِيمِ

Doing a bit of research before visiting any city is always worth it—you’ll often uncover hidden gems that aren't packed with tourists, and those spots can turn out to be the most memorable parts of your trip.

That’s exactly what happened with our visit to the Süleymaniye Mosque. I had read that the mosque and its surroundings were beautiful, so it was on my to-do list. But since it’s about a 25-minute walk from where we were staying—and also about 15-20 minutes from the main tram stops—we need to plan a day to see it. You could take a taxi or check out bus routes to get closer, but we decided to make a day of it and walk through some of the lesser-explored parts of Istanbul.

We aimed to get there for Zuhr prayer and stay until Asr, so we set out in the late morning with plans to grab breakfast along the way. Walking through the backstreets and local alleys was a great way to see everyday life in this ancient city—people selling goods, sipping tea, chatting with friends, and going about their routines. Not far from our place, we stumbled upon a cozy little breakfast spot and sat down to try a local favorite: Menemen.

Menemen – A Must-Try Halal Turkish Breakfast

Menemen is a go-to breakfast dish in Türkiye and a great halal-friendly choice for Muslim travelers. It comes from the town of Menemen in the Izmir Province and has become a staple all across the country. It’s made by scrambling eggs with sautéed green peppers, tomatoes, and olive oil, sometimes with tasty additions like onions, cheese, or sucuk (Turkish halal beef sausage). Occasionally, it’s served with fried eggs instead—also delicious! It’s simple, satisfying, and usually costs around 80 TL($2) per portion in Istanbul cafés, making it perfect for travelers on a budget.

What makes Menemen extra special is how it’s served—still sizzling in the pan, alongside freshly baked bread perfect for dipping into the rich, tomato-egg mixture. Many traditional Turkish breakfast spots serve it as part of a larger kahvaltı spread. If you’re exploring halal Turkish cuisine, Menemen is a must-try dish that’s both delicious and deeply tied to local culture.

After breakfast, we continued our stroll toward the mosque, enjoying the calm pace and soaking in the scenes along the way. When we finally arrived, it honestly took our breath away. Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited. The mosque itself is stunning, but what really adds to the experience are the historic stone walls, peaceful gardens, and panoramic views of Istanbul. If you have time, this spot is a must during your visit.

Süleymaniye Mosque – Rich History and Scenic Views

Built between 1550 and 1557 during the reign of Sultan Süleyman, the Süleymaniye Mosque is an architectural masterpiece designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. It’s one of Istanbul’s largest and most iconic mosques, designed to hold over 5,000 worshippers. For Muslim families, it offers not just a place of prayer, but a peaceful space to connect spiritually and explore Islamic history.

Inside, the prayer hall is grand yet inviting, with red carpets, beautiful Iznik tiles, and elegant Arabic calligraphy. The massive central dome, supported by semi-domes and towering arches, fills the space with light and tranquility. There’s also a designated prayer area for women, which makes visiting as a family easier and more inclusive. One of the most impressive features is the mosque’s acoustics—Sinan designed it so the imam’s voice could be heard clearly throughout without using modern speakers.

Outside, the grounds are just as special. There are serene gardens, a historic graveyard with the tombs of Sultan Süleyman and his wife Hürrem Sultan, and a terrace that offers stunning views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus. Families will love taking photos here. The mosque was part of a larger külliye (social complex), which once included a hospital, school, and kitchen, showcasing the Ottoman commitment to community service rooted in Islamic values.

After Asr prayer, we started heading back toward the nearest tram stop at Eminönü to make our way home. On the way, we grabbed a few fresh chicken wraps from a local stand that had a nice little crowd around it—a good sign! They were hot off the griddle and hit the spot. Not far from there, we found a cozy tea shop where we stopped for a quick glass of Turkish tea. These tea spots are everywhere and make a great place to relax, people-watch, and take a break from walking.

Turkish-Made Sodas to Try

Later that evening, after a bit of rest, we took a stroll around our neighborhood and grabbed some coffee and local sodas. Two of our favorites were Sirma, which comes in flavors like blackcurrant, tangerine, apple, mango-pineapple, lemon, and our top pick—pomegranate. Another local brand, Sultan, offers similar fruity options, with blackcurrant being our go-to. These sodas quickly became a staple in our fridge. If you see either of them while exploring Istanbul, definitely give them a try!

We ended the day sitting outside, sipping drinks, chatting about our adventure, and planning what to explore next. If you’re a Muslim family traveling to Istanbul, make sure Süleymaniye Mosque is high on your list—it’s an experience you won’t forget.

Nomad Journal 7

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