Suleymaniye Mosque

"The Süleymaniye Mosque reigns supreme on Istanbul's Second Hill, a testament to Ottoman power and architectural mastery. Commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and designed by the renowned Mimar Sinan, it was built between 1550 and 1557. More than just a place of worship, the mosque embodied the vastness of the empire. Mimar Sinan's genius is evident in the central dome, one of the largest in Istanbul, flanked by four soaring minarets. Despite its size, the interior feels harmonious and balanced. Light streams through the windows, illuminating the vast prayer hall adorned with beautiful Iznik tiles and calligraphy. The intricate decorations and sense of airiness create a truly awe-inspiring space. The Süleymaniye Mosque complex wasn't just about prayer. It housed a soup kitchen, a hospital, a caravanserai, and a madrasa, reflecting the Ottomans' focus on community well-being and education. The mausoleums of Sultan Süleyman and his wife Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana) are also located within the complex. Having withstood centuries of earthquakes, the Süleymaniye Mosque remains a significant landmark. It's a functioning mosque, a center of Islamic scholarship, and a major tourist attraction, a lasting testament to Sultan Süleyman's reign and Mimar Sinan's architectural brilliance."

"Commissioned by Süleyman I, known as 'the Magnificent', the Süleymaniye was the fourth imperial mosque built in İstanbul; the mosque's four minarets with their 10 beautiful şerefes (balconies) are said to represent the fact that Süleyman was the fourth of the Osmanlı sultans to rule the city. Inside, the building is breathtaking in its size and pleasing in its simplicity. Sinan incorporated the four buttresses into the walls of the building – the result is wonderfully 'transparent' (ie open and airy) and highly reminiscent of Aya Sofya, especially as the dome is nearly as large as the one that crowns the Byzantine basilica. The mihrab (niche in a minaret indicating the direction of Mecca) is covered in fine İznik tiles, and other interior decoration includes window shutters inlaid with mother-of-pearl, gorgeous stained-glass windows and a spectacular persimmon-coloured floor carpet. The streets surrounding the mosque are home to what may well be the most extensive concentration of Ottoman timber houses on the historical peninsula, many of which are currently being restored as part of an urban regeneration project. It is again very important to be decently dressed in full length attire with females having their heads covered."

"The Süleymaniye Mosque (also known as Suleyman the Magnificent Mosque) is a must-see landmark when visiting Istanbul. It is a fantastic building that you can see from almost every part of the city. in 1558 completed and designed by Mimar Sinan, the Süleymaniye Mosque is the second largest mosque in Istanbul. It is a huge complex with Turkish bath and kitchen, laundry and bedrooms. The mosque is also the resting place of Sulayman the Great. The most notable feature is the interior, decorated with mosaic tiles and stained glass. However, apart from being an architectural masterpiece, it is often overlooked by tourists as they simply visit the Blue Mosque. As a result, this mosque receives far fewer tourists than other mosques. Like the other mosques mentioned, this one is open to the public when prayers are not held. ⭐️ Scarves or cloaks are not available to buy. They are also not shared for free. Prepare suitable clothing in advance"