The Suleymaniye Mosque crowns the third hill of Istanbul's old city, in the Fatih district, and is one of the finest buildings of the Ottoman Empire. It was designed by Mimar Sinan, the greatest Ottoman architect, for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Fewer tour groups come here than to Sultanahmet, so it is a calmer place to experience a great imperial mosque.
History of the Suleymaniye Mosque
Construction began in 1550 and the mosque was completed in 1557, at the height of Ottoman power. Its scale and calm proportions were meant to reflect the splendour of Suleiman's reign. Sinan himself described it as the work of his "journeyman" years, placing it between his earlier Şehzade Mosque in Istanbul and his later masterpiece, the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne.
Over almost 500 years the mosque has survived major earthquakes and fires. It has been restored several times and remains an active place of worship.
Architecture and features of the mosque
The mosque stands at the centre of a large complex (külliye) that once included religious schools, a hospital, a soup kitchen, a hammam and shops. Many of these buildings still stand and give a good idea of how an Ottoman mosque served its neighbourhood.
- Acoustics: Sinan is said to have set hollow clay jars into the dome to carry sound, so that the imam could be heard across the prayer hall without any amplification.
- The soot room: smoke from the oil lamps and candles was channelled to a small chamber above the entrance, where the soot was collected and used to make ink for calligraphy.
- Ostrich eggs: ostrich eggs hang among the chandeliers; by tradition they were placed there to keep spiders and insects away. Some have been replaced over the years.
- Light and space: rows of windows fill the prayer hall with light, and the central dome is supported so cleverly that the interior feels open and uncluttered.
Tombs of Suleiman, Hürrem Sultan and Mimar Sinan
In the garden behind the mosque are the tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana). Suleiman's octagonal tomb is decorated with fine İznik tiles. Mimar Sinan's own modest tomb stands just outside the complex walls, at a corner he designed for himself.
From the terraces of the complex there is a wide view over the Golden Horn, Galata and the Bosphorus. It is one of the best free viewpoints in the city.
Tips for visiting the Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye is a working mosque, so visitors are welcome outside prayer times. It closes to tourists for a while during each of the five daily prayers, and for longer around Friday midday prayers. Visiting hours change, so check locally or on the official website before you go.
- Dress modestly: cover shoulders and knees; women should cover their hair (scarves are usually available at the entrance).
- Take off your shoes before entering the prayer hall.
- Photography is generally allowed, but be discreet, avoid flash and do not photograph people while they pray.
- Do not smoke in the courtyard or grounds.
- Try a bowl of kuru fasulye (white beans) in one of the traditional restaurants on the street beside the mosque.
Best time to visit
Weekday mornings are the quietest time, before the tour groups arrive and well away from Friday prayers. Late afternoon is also rewarding: the light over the Golden Horn is softer, and you can stay on the terraces for sunset once you have seen the interior. Allow about an hour for the mosque, the tombs and the views.
How to get to the Suleymaniye Mosque
The mosque is a 10 to 15-minute walk uphill from the Grand Bazaar or from Eminönü and the Spice Bazaar. From the T1 tram, get off at Beyazıt or Eminönü and walk. Many visitors combine it with the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, or see it with a local guide on an Islamic Istanbul tour.
Frequently asked questions
Who built the Suleymaniye Mosque?
It was built by the architect Mimar Sinan for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent between 1550 and 1557.
Is the Suleymaniye Mosque free to visit?
Yes, entry to the mosque is free. Visitors should dress modestly and avoid prayer times, when the mosque closes to tourists.
Who is buried at the Suleymaniye Mosque?
Suleiman the Magnificent and Hürrem Sultan are buried in tombs in the mosque garden, and Mimar Sinan's tomb is just outside the complex.
How do I get to the Suleymaniye Mosque from Sultanahmet?
Take the T1 tram to Beyazıt and walk about 10 minutes past Istanbul University, or walk up from Eminönü and the Spice Bazaar.
End your sightseeing day on the water
After the old city, see the palaces and mansions from the Bosphorus on a private sunset yacht cruise, only for your group.
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