Yet, that may be precisely why it’s worth the journey. To reach Kadiköy, you must take a ferry across the Bosporus, an experience in itself. I visited this part of the city for the first time during my most recent trip to Istanbul, in July 2025. I didn’t regret it for a moment. The ferry ride revealed the city from an entirely different angle, with magnificent views.
Kadiköy also offers a refreshing change of pace. Its lively markets, coffee shops, restaurants and Ottoman monuments make it an ideal place for a short excursion.
Among these monuments stands the Sultan Mustafa Iskele Mosque.
SULTAN MUSTAFA ISKELE MOSQUE
The mosque was originally built by Sultan Mustafa III in 1761. However, little remains of that first structure because a fire swept through the area and destroyed it. That wasn’t unusual in an age when many buildings were constructed primarily of timber.
The mosque that stands today is the mid-19th century reconstruction commissioned by Sultan Abdülmecid I and made in brick rather than wood. It reflects the Tanzimat era preference for more fire resistant materials and more restrained architectural forms.
By then, the Ottoman Empire was entering its twilight years. Although the mosque is more modest than many earlier imperial foundations, it reflects the ongoing tradition of dynastic patronage, even in suburban districts.
Still, as the photos show, the architectural grandeur of previous centuries had largely disappeared. Perhaps, the Empire no longer enjoyed the same wealth as before or, perhaps, tastes had simply changed and a smaller, more restrained mosque suited the district.
Regardless of the reason, the Sultan Mustafa Iskele Mosque remains part of the Ottoman imperial legacy, a site best appreciated by those with a deep interest in Ottoman history, architecture and interiors.
If you’ve already explored Istanbul’s main attractions and want to experience something different, go to Kadiköy. It’s an enjoyable way to spend a few hours, with countless coffee shops and restaurants where you can stop for a drink or a meal.
And the ferry ride back to the European side offers you yet another chance to admire this spectacular city.
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