Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye Camii

The masterpiece of the architect Sinan, final resting place of the Ottoman Empire's greatest sultan. It is quiet, with few crowds, and the terrace in front offers a free view over the Golden Horn and Galata.

Süleymaniye Mosque was built between 1550 and 1557 by Mimar Sinan, the greatest architect of the Ottoman Empire, for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. It stands on the third hill of the Old City and is one of the largest Ottoman mosques in Istanbul. It is widely regarded as the peak of Sinan's 'apprentice period.' Its main dome, 26.5 meters in diameter and 53 meters high, has a simple structure, and the interior relies on light and a sense of space rather than the tile-covered decoration of the Blue Mosque, which makes it feel even more solemn. In the Ottoman era, this was a vast social complex including a theological school, a hospital, a bathhouse, a soup kitchen and a caravanserai. Some of the ancillary buildings are still in use; the Darüzziyafe restaurant is the former soup kitchen. In the garden behind the mosque are the tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and his favorite consort Hürrem (Roxelana), as well as a small tomb for Sinan himself. The mosque is free to enter and closed during prayer times. With far fewer visitors than the Blue Mosque, you can explore it in peace. The highlight is the terrace on the northeast side, which offers a panoramic view of the Golden Horn, the Galata Bridge and the Galata Tower. At sunset, it is one of the best free viewpoints in Istanbul. Many old restaurants in the surrounding neighborhood are famous for kuru fasulye (stewed white beans). Getting there: take the T1 tram to Beyazıt or Eminönü station, then it is about a 10-minute uphill walk. You can walk over from the Grand Bazaar, and combine your visit with the nearby Istanbul University and the old book market. The dress code is the same as for other mosques. Women can borrow a headscarf at the entrance.

Süleymaniye Mosque

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