Istanbul’s Kariye Mosque introduces paid entry for foreign tourists

The iconic Kariye Mosque in Istanbul, a significant cultural and historical site, has introduced new entry regulations for foreign tourists.

Previously serving as a museum, the mosque was reopened for worship on May 6, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan attending the ceremony.

As part of the latest updates, foreign visitors are now required to purchase tickets to enter the mosque.

Managed by the General Directorate of Foundations under the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the mosque charges foreign visitors an entry fee of €20. It is open for visits six days a week from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

However, on Fridays, the mosque is exclusively reserved for worship and is closed to tourist visits.

To accommodate prayer times, tourist access is temporarily halted 15 minutes before each prayer, allowing worshippers to enter for free.

These new regulations are designed to preserve the mosque’s historic atmosphere while ensuring that visitors can experience its unique mosaics and frescoes during designated hours.