Σουλεϊμανιγιέ Τζαμί

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to stand inside a mosque built by the Ottomans in the heart of a Greek city? Well, you’re in luck! Here we stand before the magnificent Suleymaniye Mosque, a testament to a fascinating chapter in Rhodes’ history. Imagine the year 1522, the year the Ottomans captured Rhodes. So impressed was Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent with his victory that he ordered the construction of the very first mosque in the city, right after the conquest. The mosque, named after him, still stands today, but not in its original form. It was reconstructed in 1808, preserving the original design. The Suleymaniye Mosque is a striking example of early Ottoman architecture, a time when mosques were often accompanied by tabhanes, which provided accommodations for Sufis, those who devote themselves to religious contemplation. This mosque is now a blend of Ottoman and Greek influences, having been restored over the centuries. The prayer hall features three domes, with the central one being much larger and taller than the others. An ornately carved marble archway leads to the mosque’s entrance. This archway wasn’t always part of the mosque, though. It originally belonged to a funerary monument constructed by the Knights Hospitaller, which was destroyed during an explosion near the Church of Saint John in 1856. In 1863, the archway was carefully relocated and integrated into the mosque. Just imagine standing in this space where Greek and Ottoman cultures have intersected for centuries, a space where faith and history are seamlessly interwoven. The mosque is currently closed to visitors, except for special occasions, but its timeless charm and historical significance can still be felt standing before its grand facade.