Qibla finder / Turkey
Qibla direction from Istanbul, 151.6° south-southeast
From Istanbul, face 151.6° clockwise from true north to face the Kaaba in Makkah, 2,405 km away. With a magnetic compass, face 145.5°.
- Distance to the Kaaba
- 2,405 km (1,494 miles)
- Magnetic compass bearing
- 145.5°
- Magnetic declination
- 6.1° east
- City centre
- 41.0082, 28.9784
How to face the qibla
Stand with a compass and turn until it reads 145.5°. That is 151.6° from true north, adjusted for the 6.1° east magnetic declination in Istanbul. Or open the live compass on your phone.
Worked out for the centre of Istanbul. Across the city the direction changes by less than a degree.
Guide
Why the qibla is south-southeast from Istanbul
The qibla is the direction of the Kaaba, measured along the shortest path over the globe. From Istanbul that path leaves heading south-southeast, at 151.6° from true north. Flat maps distort this route, so it can look wrong on a map even though it is the true direction.
A compass points to magnetic north, which in Istanbul is 6.1° east of true north this year, by the World Magnetic Model 2025. That is why the compass bearing, 145.5°, differs from the true bearing.
Someone far from Makkah faces the direction (jihah) of the Kaaba. A small turn to the left or right does not affect the prayer, and a prayer made after a genuine effort stays valid even if you later learn you were slightly off.
Other madhhabs
- Shafi'i
- The stronger view is to aim at the Kaaba itself by your best effort, even from far away.
- Maliki, Hanbali
- Facing the direction is enough, as in the Hanafi school.
Qibla from other cities in Turkey
| City | Qibla | Direction |
|---|---|---|
| Ankara | 160.2° | SSE |
| Izmir | 143.7° | SE |
| Bursa | 150.8° | SSE |
| Konya | 156.9° | SSE |
| Antalya | 150.4° | SSE |
| Adana | 164.7° | SSE |
| Gaziantep | 171.6° | S |
| Kayseri | 166.6° | SSE |
| Trabzon | 179.7° | S |
Checked by our team. For a more accurate answer to your own situation, consult a scholar.
Questions
Good to know
What is the qibla direction from Istanbul?
The qibla from Istanbul is 151.6° from true north, which is south-southeast. With an ordinary magnetic compass, face 145.5°.
How far is Istanbul from Makkah?
About 2,405 km (1,494 miles) in a straight line over the globe.
Why is the qibla south-southeast from Istanbul?
The qibla follows the shortest route over the curved Earth to the Kaaba, called a great circle. On a flat map this route looks curved, so the direction can look different from what a map suggests.
How exact do I need to be?
In the Hanafi school, someone far from Makkah faces the general direction of the Kaaba. A small turn to either side does not affect the prayer. Do your best, or follow the direction of your local masjid.