Azapkapi Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Camii

This pretty mosque, designed by Sinan and built in 1577, is unusual in that it and the minaret are raised on a platform. Like Sinan's Rüstem Paşa Camii over the Golden Horn (also on a raised platform), it was commissioned by Sokollu Mehmet Paşa, a grand vizier of Süleyman the Magnificent. Today it's overshadowed by the approach to Atatürk Bridge and seems to almost shrink back from the traffic mayhem of Tersane Caddesi.

Still, it's well worth a visit, particularly for its fine marble mihrab and mimber. Look for the attendant if the mosque is locked; a tip is expected. Don't miss the nearby rococo fountain (sebil) built by Saliha Valide Hatun, mother of Mahmut I.