Rumor has it that the location of the Yavuz Selim Camii was chosen specifically to offer breathtaking views. Here at the Yavuz Selim Camii, we find ourselves standing on the fifth hill of Istanbul. This 16th-century Ottoman imperial mosque is a familiar landmark. Its size and location make it easily recognizable on the Istanbul skyline.
The Yavuz Selim Camii is also known as the Selim I Mosque and the Yavuz Sultan Selim Mosque. It holds a significant place in Istanbul’s history. The mosque’s construction was ordered by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. He dedicated it to the memory of his father, Selim I who died in 1520.
Interestingly, the Yavuz Selim Camii is the second oldest existing imperial mosque in Istanbul. Construction was completed around 1527 or 1528. The architect Alaüddin oversaw the project. Some historians once thought that Mimar Sinan designed it. However, records indicate that it was built too early for Sinan to be involved. Yet, Sinan did design one of the türbes which are tombs in the garden.
Notice the large courtyard. It features a colonnaded portico with columns made of different types of marble and granite. The Yavuz Selim Camii includes colored tiles decorated using the cuerda seca technique. These tiles resemble those in Topkapı Palace. Iranian craftsmen likely created them for the Ottoman court. Take note of the twin minarets that flank the mosque.
Inside, the Yavuz Selim Camii has a simple square room measuring 24.5 meters on each side. A shallow dome covers the room reaching a height of 32.5 meters. The dome is shallower compared to the Hagia Sophia. Polychrome cuerda seca tiles decorate the windows. Domed passages lead to four small domed rooms. These rooms once served as hospices for traveling dervishes.
In the garden behind the Yavuz Selim Camii, you’ll find the türbe of Sultan Selim I. It was completed in 1523. The building has an octagonal shape. Its porch showcases unique tile designs. Another octagonal türbe houses the tombs of Suleiman the Magnificent’s sons and Selim I’s daughters. This türbe dates back to 1556 and is attributed to Mimar Sinan. Lastly, the garden contains the türbe of Sultan Abdülmecid I. It was built shortly before his death in 1861.
Selim I, despite ruling for only eight years, expanded the Ottoman Empire significantly. His conquest of the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt in 1517 increased the Empire by 70%. He became the first Ottoman Caliph. The Ottoman Caliphate lasted for 407 years until 1924.
Ayşe Hafsa Sultan, Selim I’s concubine and mother of Suleiman the Magnificent, held the title of Valide Sultan. Abdülmecid I, who is also buried here, started the reorganization of the Ottoman Empire in 1839.
The Yavuz Selim Camii offers a peaceful escape from Istanbul’s busy streets. Its historical importance beautiful architecture and stunning views make it a worthwhile visit. As we conclude our visit here, consider the layers of history and the artistry that define this imperial mosque.