Suleymaniye Mosque is a massive mosque that dominates the heights of the Third Hill and serves as an important historical site for the city. It dates back to the 16th century and has remained largely unchanged since its original conception, although it has had repairs and reinforcements conducted in the centuries since. It's a designated UNESCO Historic Site, so you can enjoy dedicated preservation efforts that consistently keep the mosque in good condition.
If you're looking to explore the top sites of Istanbul, Suleymaniye Mosque is a must-visit attraction, and its sheer size makes it hard to miss if you find yourself in or around the Third Hill area. Kids and adults alike are welcome here, though travellers interested in history will find it especially appealing. It takes about 2 or 3 hours to explore everything this mosque has to offer, including its surrounding gardens and their picturesque landscapes.
Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul - one of the highlights of 10 Free Things to Do in Istanbul and 10 Best Historic Things to See in Istanbul (Read all about Istanbul here)
What are the highlights of Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul?
When you visit Suleymaniye Mosque, there are a few highlights you won't want to miss out on. One of the most iconic aspects of it is simply the design itself. You'll find grand examples of Ottoman architecture, including several domes and towering minarets that mark the 4 corners of the main courtyard. The minarets have a combined total of 10 galleries, signifying that the creator, Suleiman I, was the 10th sultan.
Inside Suleymaniye Mosque, you'll find a single vast space underneath the central dome and surrounding semi-domes. It features massive arches and monoliths, all adorned with intricate designs. Stained glass windows are prevalent throughout and feature fascinating patterns crafted centuries in the past. You can also access some of the interior galleries when you visit the inside.
A brief history of Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul
Suleymaniye Mosque dates back to 1550 when the foundation was established, and it was completed just 7 years later. The complex that exists today, however, was developed over the years after the mosque's initial completion. It was designed by Mimar Sinan, and its creation was ordered by Suleiman I in remembrance of his late son, Shehzade Mehmed.
Sinan used the Hagia Sophia and the Bayezid II Mosque as inspiration for this masterpiece, though it is ultimately smaller than the former. Several parts of Suleymaniye Mosque were damaged over the centuries, once by a fire and again by an earthquake. Even so, it was always repaired to preserve its impressive splendour. The most recent damage occurred in the 20th century when a fire caused damage, but the mosque was fully restored by 1956 and still stands strong.
What else is good to know about Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul?
Before making your way to Suleymaniye Mosque, you may want to keep a few factors in mind. You'll need to maintain proper dress when entering, which includes everyone removing shoes and women covering their hair. The mosque offers bags for your shoes and loans scarves for use during your visit. Additionally, the mosque will be closed to visitors 5 times each day during regular prayer services.
When visiting Suleymaniye Mosque, you'll find yourself close to a number of other attractions. Several other mosques are in the area, including Laleli Mosque, a Baroque-style structure to the south-west. To the south-east, you'll find Topkapi Palace and the iconic Hagia Sophia. If you head north across the bridge, you can reach the legendary Galata Tower.
Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul
Location: Süleymaniye Mah, Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Cd. No:1, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye
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