SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE | Sanctuary in a complex world!   

There were number of earthquakes that have been shaken Istanbul over the centuries, however it didn’t cause single crack in Suleymaniye Mosque. As you go inside the dome, you will find the baroque decorations, the hand-made carpet with a mihrap design covering the floor, and all was made during 19th century.

Be charmed by the interior design and features of the dome which is the exceptionally richen colors, 16th century original tainted glass windows with Turkish designs on the wall of the mihrap. Stroll on a simple balcony that is next to minber, which is made of marble and decorated with tiles. To the left of the mihrab is the sultan's loge.

Indeed, you will be inspired by the verses from the Koran which are inscribed on the walls that reveal the samples of Turkish art of calligraphy. The Galleries reticent for women is situated over the entrance and at the sides of the dome. On the right side of the entrance, a masterpiece of 18th century Turkish metal work is noticeable with the grass grill partition. The back of the courtyard became the resting place of Suleyman and his dearly loved wife Roxelane, and other famous people.

As you continue to view the majestic beauty of the complex, you will find a small and extremely modest grave situated at one corner. This is the tomb of the great architect Sinan, who lived to be ninety-nine years old. He became the respected chief architect of the empire for 50 years. Sinan was a hard-working and dynamic architect who left over four hundred works behind him. In classical architectural Turkey, He is the most important figure and the creator of Turkish conventional architecture. His tyros created masterpieces and became eminent only not only in the empire, but also in other Islamic countries.

Suleymaniye mosque is the largest and most impressive mosque in Istanbul. This is the city of domes and minarets. For centuries, many visitors have been mesmerized by the artistic preeminence of its interior and exterior and its perfect proportions.

Certainly, the Suleymaniye is Mosque is an architectural masterpiece. When you will look back to the 16th century, you will discover that during these days of golden age of the Ottoman Empire, Suleyman is the longest reigning among the thirty-six Ottoman sultans. He ruled for 47 years during this century and entrusted the construction of the mosque to bear his name to Sinan, on the stained glass windows.

As the grand master of architecture, Sinan pleased the Sultan by completing the mosque and the large complex surrounding it, which demonstrates the intelligence of Sinan, the father of classical Turkish architecture. Never miss to visit the complex where you can find the schools, library, baths, caravanserai, public kitchens, a hospital and shops. Welcome the beauty of the exterior of the mosque from a distance or try to go up the Galata Tower or the Galata side of the Golden Horn. What a glorious sight of the imperial structure!

Covering the main chamber of the mosque is a huge dome which has four minarets. The inner courtyard is surrounded by porticoes and has an ablution fountain in the center. This is where the main entrance of the mosque is situated. You may think of what other honor that adds beauty to the interior view of the mosque? It is the spaciousness, unity and exquisite decorations which gives more elegant style to the central facade of the mosque.

The design of the Suleymaniye gives the impression that Muslims are superior in architectural designs and in intellect. This mosque gives an inspiration to the Hagia Sophia as well as the distinctive Islamic qualities that Sinn brought to privileged level. Until this present time, the mosque offers endless pride to Turkey and the sanctuary to one lost soul in the complex world.