How many Istanbul landmarks can claim the title of a masterpiece? The Süleymaniye Mosque certainly does. Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent the Süleymaniye Camii stands as a testament to Ottoman imperial power. It also embodies architectural brilliance. Imagine yourself transported back to the 16th century.
The Süleymaniye Mosque’s story begins with Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. He sought to create a mosque. It would represent the Ottoman Empire’s prominence. He chose Mimar Sinan to design it. Sinan was inspired by the Hagia Sophia and the Bayezid II Mosque. Suleiman wanted to surpass his predecessors’ mosques.
The construction of the Süleymaniye Mosque wasn’t without challenges. It was built on the site of the old Ottoman palace. The Eski Saray had to be demolished. The Süleymaniye Mosque’s foundation was laid in 1550. The Süleymaniye Mosque was inaugurated in 1557. But work continued for several years after that. Marble spolia were gathered from various sites. They came from Constantinople and other parts of the empire. These materials were shipped to the construction site.
Now turn your gaze to the courtyard. It measures around 47 by 57 metres. It is of exceptional grandeur. A colonnaded peristyle supports it. Tall columns of marble, granite, and porphyry hold it up. The columns are topped with classic Ottoman capitals. They are carved with muqarnas. The portico preceding the prayer hall is higher. It stands out from the other three sides.
Take a moment to admire the four minarets. They stand at the corners of the courtyard. The two taller ones have three balconies. They rise to 76 m including their caps. The use of four minarets was not new. But Sinan introduced strict symmetry. This many minarets were typically reserved for mosques endowed by a sultan. The ten balconies in total reflect Suleiman I’s position. He was the 10th Ottoman sultan. Sinan made the outer minarets shorter. This enhanced the visual impression of the Süleymaniye Mosque.
Step inside the prayer hall of the Süleymaniye Mosque. It is almost a square. It measures 58.5 by 57.5 metres. The central dome dominates this vast space. It reaches a height of 53 metres. Its diameter is 26.5 metres. It is exactly half the height. The layout echoes the Hagia Sophia’s dome design. It also follows the Bayezid II Mosque’s layout.
Notice the restrained interior decoration. Documents claim that ostentatious ornamentation was avoided. This conformed to the traditions of the Islamic prophet Muhammad. Calligraphy was regarded as the primary form of decoration. Hasan Çelebi created most of the mosque’s calligraphy.
Behind the Süleymaniye Mosque, you will find an enclosed cemetery. It contains the mausoleums of Suleiman I and his wife. Hürrem Sultan also known as Roxelana rests here. Suleiman’s mausoleum bears the date of his death 1566. The mausoleum’s design has been compared to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Hürrem Sultan’s mausoleum dates back to 1558. Its interior is decorated with Iznik tiles.
The Süleymaniye Mosque is more than just a building. It is a külliye a complex. It includes madrasas religious colleges. It also has a public kitchen, and a hospital. Many of these structures still exist today. The former imaret has been converted into a restaurant. The former hospital is now a printing factory.
The Süleymaniye Mosque stands as a symbol of Istanbul. It represents Ottoman architectural genius. It reflects Suleiman the Magnificent’s vision. Its beauty and historical significance continue to captivate visitors today. Take with you the echoes of its story. Let it resonate as you explore further.