Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

Description

One of Mimar Sinan's elegant works, the mosque was built in the name of Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent.

Story

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque was built by Mimar Sinan between 1547–1548 for Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Located on the edge of Üsküdar Square, the mosque attracts attention with its architectural elegance and its spacious location overlooking the sea. As one of Mimar Sinan's mid-period works, the structure stands out with its large windows reflecting his understanding of bright spaces, its plain exterior, and its balanced volume design. The mosque has a single-domed plan, and the dome covers a remarkably wide span. This is a testament to Sinan's engineering skills. Inside, Iznik tiles, calligraphic decorations, and the elegant ornamentation style of the period are notable. Among the mosque complex structures are a madrasa, a primary school, an imaret (soup kitchen), and courtyard sections. Although some structures have disappeared over time, the fountain in the courtyard and the entrance gate retain their originality. The history of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is also closely related to the social life of Üsküdar. During the Ottoman period, trade, sea transport, and public life in the region were shaped around this mosque. Being one of Üsküdar's most important stops, the mosque served as both a religious and social center. It has undergone various restorations due to earthquakes and fires, with the last major renovation carried out between 2011–2015. Today, the mosque is an integral part of Üsküdar's coastal silhouette.

Visit Tips

• Admission is free.
• It is very close to Üsküdar pier.
• It gets very crowded on Fridays.
• There are good photo angles towards the coast.

Photos