What to Wear When Visiting Mosques in Turkey?
It is not just about the history when visiting a mosque in Turkey; it is also about respect. Mosques are religiously active places and not just simple tourist attractions, which is why the dress code in mosques is of much significance in Turkey for every visitor.
Tourists visit the Blue Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque, and Hagia Sophia in Istanbul. Each mosque has rules. Shoulders and knees must be covered. Women must cover their hair. These are simple rules, but they are very important.
If you join a Best of Istanbul Tours or Istanbul Highlights & Bosphorus Cruise, your guide will remind you of these rules before the visit.
Head To Toe: What To Wear?
These rules are a sign of respect to religion and culture. You will feel comfortable when you dress modestly. Mosques are not only for prayer but also part of the history and art of Turkey. Proper clothing will help you enter with ease, focusing on the beauty inside.
For Women
Women should cover their shoulders, chest, and legs. Skirts or dresses must be below the knees. Leggings are fine with a long tunic or a loose skirt. Avoid sleeveless tops and short skirts. Low necklines are not suitable.
A headscarf is needed. You can bring one yourself or borrow one at the entrance. Most mosques in Istanbul provide scarves and wraps for free. It is intelligent to keep a light scarf in your bag
Shoes should be removed before entry. You are allowed to take them inside in a plastic bag. Some mosques may also provide scarves and wraps to ensure every visitor follows the dress code.
For Men
Men should also be modest in their dress. No shorts above the knee, please. A clean T-shirt or shirt with sleeves is appropriate to wear. No tank tops or tight clothes, please. Hats/caps are to be taken off upon entry.
At the entrance, shoes are taken off. It is not acceptable for men to stand in the mosque with their hands in their pockets. Trousers and plain shirts are always safe.
For Children
Children do not have to follow strict rules. All the same, it is preferable to dress children neatly. For example, boys can wear t-shirts and shorts to cover the knees, while girls can wear leggings or long skirts combined with a t-shirt.
The rules are softer for kids, but it's good to teach them how to respect religious places.
Additional Etiquette Tips
Besides the dressing code, there are some other rules to keep in mind. Be silent inside the mosque. It is not allowed to loudly use your phone inside. Don't laugh or talk inside the prayer areas.
Try to plan your visit outside prayer times; mosques are particularly busy on Friday afternoons. Tourists can come in before or after prayers.
Photography is generally permitted in tourist mosques such as the Blue Mosque or Suleymaniye Mosque. Do not take pictures of people in prayer. Pay attention to signs about photography.
Wear modest colors, simple styles. Bright or see-through clothes may not be accepted. In big mosques, the staff may remind you to adjust your clothes.
If you participate in the Small Group: Best of Istanbul Tour with Hagia Sophia Tickets, your guide will explain all these details. It makes your visit comfortable and respectful.
What To Bring For A Mosque Visit?
You do not need special clothes. Still, a few items can help you.
- A women's lightweight scarf
- Long pants or a skirt
- A loose shirt with sleeves
- Socks for walking indoors
- A little bag for your shoes
Choose shoes that are easy to take off. It will save time when you visit several mosques in one day.
These small steps make your visit peaceful. You can enjoy the beautiful mosques in Turkey without any worry. To view the most famous mosques, take a Private Istanbul Highlights Tour or a Best of Istanbul: 1, 2 or 3-Day Private Guided Istanbul Tour. Contact us to plan your next Istanbul or Turkey tour with local experts and experience the country's spiritual heritage up close.