General Information
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Location: Fatih district, Istanbul, overlooking the Golden Horn.
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Construction Date: Built between 1550 – 1557.
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Patron: Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
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Architect: Mimar Sinan (who referred to it as his “masterpiece of apprenticeship”).
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Significance: One of the most important and magnificent mosques of the classical Ottoman period.
Architectural Features
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Design: Balanced layout with a central dome, semi-domes, and side aisles.
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Dome: 27.5 meters in diameter and 53 meters high.
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Minarets: 4 minarets with a total of 10 balconies, symbolizing that Sultan Suleiman was the 4th Ottoman sultan in Istanbul and the 10th sultan of the empire.
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Interior: Combines grandeur with simplicity. The acoustics are masterfully designed so that the imam’s voice can be heard throughout the mosque without electronic amplification.
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Courtyard: A spacious courtyard surrounded by arcades, considered one of the most elegant examples of Ottoman mosque architecture.
Art and Decoration
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Unlike some other Ottoman mosques, İznik tiles are used sparingly, emphasizing simplicity and spaciousness.
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Calligraphy panels were created by the most renowned calligraphers of the era.
Complex (Külliye)
The Süleymaniye is not just a mosque but part of a large külliye (social complex) that included:
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Madrasas (religious schools)
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Library
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Bathhouse
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Imaret (public soup kitchen)
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Hospital
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Mausoleums
The tombs of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hürrem Sultan are located in the mosque’s courtyard.
Religious and Historical Importance
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Represents the grandeur of the Ottoman Empire and the genius of Mimar Sinan.
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A landmark that dominates Istanbul’s skyline.
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Open today for both worship and tourism.
Visitor Information
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Admission: Free of charge.
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Rules: Tourist visits are restricted during prayer times; modest dress is required (women must cover their heads, shoulders and knees should be covered).
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Viewpoint: Located on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn, offering panoramic views of Istanbul.
Significance
The Süleymaniye Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of Ottoman power and Mimar Sinan’s architectural and engineering brilliance, considered the peak of classical Ottoman architecture.
