Mosque Dress Code in Turkey
Turkey's mosques, including Hagia Sophia, require modest dress for all visitors regardless of gender. Women must cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Men should cover their shoulders and wear long pants (shorts below the knee are usually acceptable).
What to Wear
Women: Bring a scarf to cover your head (free scarves are provided at major mosques like Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque). Wear clothing that covers arms to elbows and legs to ankles. Men: Long pants and a shirt with sleeves. No tank tops or very short shorts.
Shoes
Shoes must be removed before entering any mosque. Plastic bags are provided to carry your shoes or you can leave them on the shoe rack. Wearing clean socks is recommended.
Can I visit mosques during prayer times?
Non-Muslim visitors should avoid visiting during prayer times. Signs at the entrance indicate when the mosque is closed to tourists (usually 5 times daily, about 30–60 minutes each time).