Süleymaniye Mosque

The dazzling interior of the Süleymaniye Mosque, Turkey
The dazzling interior of the Süleymaniye Mosque, Turkey

NEED TO KNOW

LOCATION The Süleymaniye Mosque is in the center of Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey

DATE OF CONSTRUCTION

1550–57

DAYTIME TEMPERATURES

Jan: 41°F (5°C); Apr: 54°F (12°C); Jul: 73°F (23°C); Oct: 63°F (17°C)

The Süleymaniye – the imperial mosque of the great Ottoman sultan Süleyman I (also known as “the Lawgiver,” but better known in the West as Süleyman the Magnificent) – commands a superb location atop one of the Ottoman capital’s many hills. It is one of two masterworks by the architect Sinan (the other is the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne).

The vast, apparently unsupported, space of the interior is achieved through the use of semi- domes on either side of the main dome, and by disguising the massive supporting buttresses, which are incorporated within the walls. It is beautifully decorated with Iznik tiles, used more extensively here than ever before.

Practical Information

Getting There and Around From Istanbul airport buses and a metro serve the city center. International train services run to Sirkeci station. The nearest tram stop is Beyazıt.

When to Go April, when the tulips are in full bloom, is particularly pretty.

September is also a pleasant month to visit.

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