Süleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye Mosque crowns one of Istanbul's seven hills, above the Golden Horn. It is one of Mimar Sinan's best-known works and one of the largest Ottoman mosques in the city.

History of the Süleymaniye

It was built in 1550–1557 for Suleiman the Magnificent, together with a whole complex of madrasas, a hospital, a soup kitchen, a bathhouse and a caravanserai. Suleiman and his wife Hürrem Sultan are buried in tombs in the garden, and Sinan's own tomb stands at the edge of the complex.

What to notice

The interior is calm and bright, with little decoration; the effect comes from its proportions and acoustics. The rear terrace gives a single view over the Golden Horn, Galata and the Bosphorus.

Tips for visiting

• Entry is free; visitors are not admitted at prayer times.
• Shoes come off and women cover their hair.
• The nearby streets have old eateries serving beans with rice, a local classic.
• The Grand Bazaar is a 10–15 minute walk away.