Süleymaniye Mosque

Description

The Süleymaniye Mosque, which Architect Sinan called 'my journeyman's masterpiece', is one of the pinnacle examples of Ottoman architecture.

Story

Süleymaniye Mosque was built by Mimar Sinan between 1550 and 1557, by the order of Suleiman the Magnificent. Considered one of the most perfect examples of Ottoman architecture, this mosque is one of Istanbul's most important symbols, both religiously and culturally. The structure, which Sinan himself called 'my journeyman's masterpiece', reflects his architectural genius in the clearest way. The Süleymaniye Mosque is not only a place of worship but also the center of a large complex. The complex includes many social structures such as madrasahs, an imaret (public soup kitchen), a hammam (bathhouse), a library, a hospital, and a tabhane (lodge for dervishes). In this respect, it is one of the strongest representatives of Ottoman urban planning and social life understanding. The most striking feature of the mosque is its acoustic system. Mimar Sinan is known to have used pitchers, special surface angles, and material calculations to perfect sound distribution within the dome. Even today, the slightest sound within the mosque is perfectly distributed. Furthermore, the stones used on the exterior of the structure have hardly lost their color over many years, which demonstrates the quality of the materials and Sinan's meticulous calculations. Süleymaniye Mosque has also been a witness to many historical events. Throughout fires, earthquakes, and turbulent periods of the Ottoman Empire, the mosque was occasionally damaged but meticulously restored and preserved each time. The tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hürrem Sultan are also located within the complex. Today, Süleymaniye attracts millions of visitors with its spiritual and architectural value as an inseparable part of Istanbul's skyline. With its quiet courtyard, magnificent Golden Horn view, and the traces of history resting in its shadow, this structure is one of the points that best reflects the soul of Istanbul.

Visit Tips

• Admission is free.
• Visits may be restricted during noon prayers and Friday prayers.
• The courtyard side is ideal for seeing the Golden Horn view.
• Early mornings are the calmest.

Photos