Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul

The Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul is an architectural masterpiece from the Ottoman Empire and is one of the most prominent mosques in the city. Built in the 16th century by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it stands out for its grand design and large dome. The mosque reflects the grandeur of Ottoman Islamic art and serves as an important spiritual and cultural center.

Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most important tourist and historical landmarks in Istanbul, as it embodies the style of Ottoman-era mosques. In this article, we will explore it in detail.

History of Süleymaniye Mosque

The mosque was built between 1550 and 1557 as a tribute to Sultan Suleiman’s military campaigns, which significantly expanded the Ottoman Empire. It was designed to symbolize the power and wealth of the Ottoman state, which reached its peak during Suleiman's reign. Additionally, the mosque played a vital role in promoting Islamic education and scholarship, housing a madrasa (Islamic school) that was among the finest centers of learning in the empire. It offered courses in Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and philosophy, and contributed to the education of many prominent scholars and thinkers.

Design and Architecture of Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye Mosque features four minarets, representing Sultan Suleiman as the fourth Ottoman sultan after the conquest of Istanbul. The ten balconies on the minarets symbolize Suleiman as the tenth sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Sultan Suleiman desired a mosque of grandeur befitting his reign, and he entrusted this task to the famous Ottoman architect, Mimar Sinan. Construction of the mosque and its surrounding complex began in 1550 and was completed in 1557 after Sinan meticulously designed the architectural plans and models.

Interior of Süleymaniye Mosque

The interior of the mosque is a true architectural marvel. The entrance is surrounded by spacious arcades, including a shadirvan (ablution fountain). Upon entering the mosque’s main hall, visitors are struck by the beauty of its geometric designs and the intricate decorations adorning the walls. The mosque’s interiors feature stunning Iznik tiles, showcasing the exquisite floral and geometric patterns typical of Ottoman design, while Quranic verses adorn the walls. The grand dome covers the prayer hall, and the marble mihrab and minbar add to the elegance. Colorful stained-glass windows fill the hall with natural light, adding to the serene atmosphere.

Layout of Süleymaniye Mosque

Süleymaniye Mosque was built as part of a large architectural complex that included schools, a library (the Süleymaniye Library), a public kitchen, a caravanserai, a hospital, and shops. The mosque is about 69 meters long and 63 meters wide, with a central dome reaching 53 meters in height and 27 meters in diameter. The dome rests on four massive columns known as the "Elephant Feet", each with a diameter of 7.5 meters and weighing 60 tons. The mosque’s design is elegant in its simplicity, avoiding the excessive decoration seen in many Ottoman mosques. It is surrounded by vast green lawns, enhancing its beauty and offering a peaceful setting for visitors.

Süleymaniye Mosque Library

Alongside the construction of the mosque, Sultan Suleiman ordered the establishment of several educational institutions, including the Süleymaniye Library, built between 1545 and 1557. The library gained worldwide renown for its vast collection of manuscripts and documents in Arabic, Turkish, and Persian. It became one of the largest Islamic libraries globally, with over 70,000 manuscripts. Initially housed within the mosque, the library later expanded as many of Istanbul’s public and private collections were moved there, becoming a significant scholarly resource.

Location of Süleymaniye Mosque and How to Get There

The mosque is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, near the famous Egyptian Bazaar. To reach the mosque, you can take public transportation in Istanbul. One convenient option is the Hacı Osman – Yenikapı metro line. After disembarking at Vezneciler station, walk along Süleymaniye Street for about 10 to 15 minutes until you reach the mosque. Additionally, you can use the Bağcılar – Kabataş tram line and get off at either the Laleli or Beyazıt stations. From there, it’s a 10-minute walk to the mosque.