THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
The mosque was once a Byzantine church and is renowned for its historic architecture and its beautiful frescoes and mosaics. The structure itself has evolved through Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman and modern Turkish history.
A backgrounder document from the prime minister's office said the site was chosen to underscore "Canada's recognition of the importance of cultural heritage as a bridge between peoples and nations."
The solemnity of Carney's visit gave way to an unexpected Canadian moment when a tourist visiting from Canada caught the prime minister on his way out of the mosque.
"Go Oilers!" the man shouted, referring to Carney's love of the Edmonton Oilers. The prime minister replied, "It looks good this year. Wait until the playoffs."
The tour marks the end of the first bilateral visit by a Canadian prime minister to Turkey.
Carney and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan forged a new strategic partnership between Canada and Turkey after meeting in Ankara on Thursday.
That agreement will see the two countries collaborate more closely in areas like defence and energy and set the stage for Canada and Turkey to begin free-trade talks in the coming weeks.
The trip to Turkey came in the context of Carney's broader efforts to diversify Canada's trading relationships and reduce reliance on the United States.
"Our goal is not self-sufficiency; it is collective resilience," Carney said in a joint statement with Erdogan.
"That's why Canada is building deeper partnerships with reliable partners that create new opportunities for us both. And in Turkey, we have an exceptional partner."
Erdogan called Carney a "dear friend" in his own remarks and signalled that he plans to lead a business delegation to Canada in the future.
Canada and Turkey have not always seen eye-to-eye. Human rights have previously been an irritant in the relationship, and Carney's efforts to deepen ties with Turkey come as the country faces international scrutiny over a crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights.
The prime minister told reporters that "engagement is not approval" when it comes to doing business with countries that don't share Canada's values.
Canada raised human rights during its discussions with Turkish officials, Carney said, though he didn't confirm whether he raised the topic directly with Erdogan.
Carney met with a number of business leaders and investment firms in Istanbul, including representatives from Turkish Airlines.
During the trip, Canadian and Turkish officials formalized an expanded air transportation agreement that could eventually nearly double the number of direct flights between the nations.
Carney is set to depart Turkey on Saturday afternoon and is expected to return to Ottawa by early evening.
A cat sits on a bench outside the Kariye mosque in Istanbul, Turkey Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 24, 2026.
By Craig Lord | Copyright 2026, The Canadian Press. All rights reserved.
Canada Morning Brief: What You Need To Know For June 28
Including how to get a breezy summer job catching 18-foot pythons in Florida.
Good morning — Andrew from Narcity here! ☕
Reminder: you have three more days to stock up on supplies ahead of Canada Day store closures on Friday.
Psst... You can now sign up for the soon-to-launch email version of the Canada Morning Brief right here.
In Case You Missed It
1. Canadian Government Promises Streamlined ArriveCan
The feds will try to alleviate some of the country's airport delays by making the ArriveCAN software "faster and easier" to use, Lisa Belmonte writes. Starting today, those arriving at Toronto Pearson or Vancouver International can use the ArriveCAN app or website to make their customs and immigration declarations up to 72 hours in advance.2. Ex-Leafs Star Kadri Calls Out His Detractors After Cup Win
Shortly after winning his first career Stanley Cup — and as the first Muslim player to ever do so — Nazem Kadri wasted little time addressing his haters, particularly those who doubted him during his decade with the Toronto Maple Leafs. After tallying 15 points in 16 games en route to the Colorado Avalanche's title win, the 31-year-old said those who thought he was a "liability" due to his abrasive playing style could "kiss (his) ass." Josh Elliott has the full story here.
3. Why You Should Visit Alberta Instead of BC This Summer
There's a minor feud brewing on Narcity's western Canada desk, with writers from the country's two western-most provinces squaring off over their summer travel itineraries. This weekend, however, Calgary-based Charlie Hart actually had lifelong Vancouverite Ashley Harris agreeing with some of her takes on Alberta's superiority over British Columbia. Here's why you should visit the Princess Province this summer.
4. Who's Mans From Toronto Is This?
The stars of the new Netflix action comedy The Man from Toronto have already apologized for the deeply offensive affront of... not pronouncing "Toronto" authentically. However, there were actually more than a handful of obvious tells that neither Kevin Hart nor Woody Harrelson's characters were actually from Hogtown. Tristan Wheeler breaks down the list here.
5. A New Way To Explore Niagara Falls
Starting on Canada Day, visitors to Niagara Falls will be able to experience the signature landmark by questing 2,200 feet down through a cavernous, underground tunnel. Those who brave the trek are rewarded with a new panoramic vantage point from which to view both the Horseshoe and American Falls. For what you need to know before you visit, Madeline Forsyth has the deets.
5 Things You Need To Know Today
🎉 HOLIDAYS
There are a bunch of completely legit holidays taking place today, particularly stateside, where Americans will observe such sacred occasions as National Insurance Awareness Day, National Logistics Day and National Tapioca Day. Exciting!
🎾 WIMBLEDON
Canada's Rebecca Marino fell on the first day of Wimbledon but the three remaining Canucks competing in singles play — Bianca Andreescu, Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov — are all in Round 1 action today at the All England Club.
⚾ BASEBALL
As far as midseason, Tuesday night games go, tonight's clash with the visiting Boston Red Sox could be a big one for Toronto. The Blue Jays can leapfrog Boston for second place in the AL East with a win. First pitch comes at 7:07 p.m. ET.
🐍 JOB ALERT
Those looking for a relaxing way to make a few bucks this summer should head down to South Florida, where a program will pay you $10-15 an hour (plus bonuses) for capturing pythons — like the 18-foot monster that was recently caught in the Everglades.
🎂 BIRTHDAYS
Expect Elon Musk to mark the 51st occasion of his birth by tweeting something absolutely exhausting. Happy 31st birthday to Belgian soccer star Kevin De Bruyne — who Canada will see in Group Stage play at the FIFA World Cup this fall. Say anything to John Cusack — but especially "happy birthday," since he turns 56. Former MTV monopolizer Rob Dyrdek is 48, making millennials of a certain vintage feel especially ancient.
Thanks for reading the Canada Morning Brief — the Ridiculousness to Narcity's Fantasy Factory.
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Have a great day and see you back here tomorrow!