Moss Blog

Walking the Historic Peninsula: A Half-Day Itinerary

A half-day walking route through Istanbul's old city: from the bazaar quarter up to Süleymaniye, with the right places to pause for tea and a view.

Things to Do in Süleymaniye Beyond the Mosque

Beyond the great mosque, Süleymaniye is old streets, tea gardens, hidden views and a long terrace meal. A guide to the quieter side of the hill.

The Süleymaniye Mosque: History, Architecture and Visiting Tips

A grounded guide to the Süleymaniye Mosque: the story behind Sinan's masterpiece, what to look for in the architecture, and how to visit it well.

Hosting at Moss: Celebrations, Events and Long Tables

What it means to host a celebration at Moss: a long table on the Süleymaniye terrace, a warm host who treats the room like home, and the Bosphorus as the setting.

The Design of Moss: Where the Süleymaniye Silhouette Meets the Water

What gives Moss its feel: a Süleymaniye rooftop where the mosque silhouette meets the Bosphorus, warm light after dark, and an elegance guests describe as Ortaköy brought up the hill.

A Day at Moss: From the First Simit to the Last Service

One terrace in Süleymaniye, eighteen hours long. How a day at Moss moves from the first morning simit to the last nargile under the city lights.

Why We Call It a Home, Not a Restaurant

The idea at the heart of Moss: you are welcomed like a guest in a home, not processed like a table in a busy restaurant. Here is what that looks like in practice.

Meet Adem Özen, the Host of Süleymaniye

The man guests call Moss Adem: the warm, present host who remembers your coffee, and why that warmth is the whole point of the place.

The Story Behind Moss Lounge the Bosphorus

How one idea, carried for years, brought the quiet of historic Süleymaniye and the Bosphorus view together on a single terrace above the old city.

Eating Vegetarian in Istanbul: A Surprisingly Rich Table

A reassuring guide to eating vegetarian in Istanbul: the olive-oil vegetable dishes, meze and breakfast that make a meat-free table easy and rich here.