Süleymaniye Mosque — Masterpiece of Ottoman Architecture
Discover Mimar Sinan's greatest work, perched on Istanbul's Third Hill with panoramic Golden Horn views and serene gardens.
History
Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the legendary architect Mimar Sinan, the Süleymaniye Mosque was completed in 1557. Sinan considered it his finest work. The complex includes a hospital, library, hamam, and madrasa — a self-contained city within a city.
What to See
The mosque's dome reaches 53 meters and spans 26 meters, creating an airy interior flooded with light from 138 windows. The courtyard with its four minarets offers stunning Golden Horn views. Visit the tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana) in the garden behind the m
Visiting Info
Open daily, free entry. Closed during prayer times. Located in the Fatih district. Less crowded than the Blue Mosque despite being larger and arguably more beautiful. The surrounding streets (Süleymaniye area) are famous for bean stew (kuru fasulye) restaurants.