Süleymaniye Mosque & Complex Istanbul
Architectural peak
In Istanbul you will get to see numerous mosques. They are the trademark of the silhouette of the city at dusk and dawn. For me the grandest and most beautiful of these structures is the Süleymaniye Mosque with its complexes. The mosque which was completed, after seven years hard work, for Süleyman The Magnificent in the year 1557 by his Chief Architect, and my hero the great Sinan (Mimar Sinan). This magnificent structure used as an edifice stands on the crest of the ridge above the Golden Horn to the west of the Istanbul end of the Galata Bridge.
The structure is so unique and rare that it dominates the skyline of the city. It's obviously one of the most important symbols of the Golden age of the Ottoman Empire. Some also compare it with Haghia Sophia (Aya Sofya) which symbolizes the triumph in the days of Justinian.
This superb mosque complex dominates the third hill of İstanbul. It is said that Suleyman The Magnificent has spent 2.5 million gold on its construction. This is absolutely an architectural divinity where you can live the stones poured into poetry. Süleymaniye is absolutely Mimar Sinan's best work in Istanbul.
When visiting the mosque, you first cross the grand courtyard, with its columns of porphyry, marble and granite and flanked by a great pylon. The lofty dome and the semi-domes gives a sense of immense grandeur. Observe how it's amazing that the weight of the dome is supported by the outer walls.
About this spot
Süleymaniye Camii
- 05:00 - 22:00 daily
Its free to visit the mosque:
TL
no-price
Find your way with 237 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Istanbul
Minoa Pera
A Literary Haven
The café, nestled among the bookshelves, serves as a cosy refuge where one can savour their coffee while getting lost in the pages of a newfound gem.
by
Cemre
Sandal
Borboleta Gastro Patisserie
Elegance and Flavor
Borboleta welcomes you with the warmth and comfort of home and yet with an elegant service like you belong to a royal community.
by
Cemre
Sandal
CRR Concert Hall
Istanbul's Cultural Hub
From internationally acclaimed jazz masters to dynamic dance performances, the CRR Concert Hall consistently offers top-notch entertainment.
by
Cemre
Sandal
Kandilli Suna'nin Yeri
Bosphorus's maritime gem
Suna'nin Yeri's commitment to sourcing only the finest seafood is evident in every bite. Everything that is served here is fresh and sourced daily.
by
Zeynep
Ozortac
Homemade Aromaterapi
Natural and vegan products
"Homemade Aromaterapi" is a small, beautiful shop in Kuzguncuk, Istanbul. Come here for cold-pressed essential oils, cleansers, soaps, toothpaste & more!
by
Cemre
Sandal
Kuzguncuk
A neighborhood with unique beauty
"Kuzguncuk" in Istanbul is a uniquely beautiful neighborhood with old colorful houses, mansions and friendly shopkeepers - a sense of connected community.
by
Cemre
Sandal
Chandeliers in Hagia Sophia Mosque
Enlightenment
The "Chandeliers in Istanbul's Hagia Sophia" have their own little recent story which is good to remember whenever you pay a visit... Lighting is key!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Pera Museum
An alternative art museum for all
The "Pera Museum" is for you if you're into art from the life of Istanbul and the Ottoman world between the 17th and early 20th century...
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
The Shoe-shine boys
A unique experience
"The Shoe-shine boys" is a very typical Istanbul sight. Having your shoes painted and polished is a nice experience, just be careful who does it for you!
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Fenerbahçe Steamboat
Now in the past
The "Fenerbahçe Steamboat" has carried passengers across Istanbul's Bosphorus over 55 years. Now you can see this historical ship in Rahmi Koc Museum.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Holy Fragrance sellers
Various perfumes
"Holy Fragrance" sellers sit just outside mosques and provide refreshing perfumes. I would recommend the ones in Istanbul's Beyazit and Yeni mosques.
by
Zekeriya
S. Sen
Heading to Istanbul?
237 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Istanbul?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 237 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
City guides by those who know the city in and out!
Our Locals' Favorite Art & culture
Our team loves Istanbul
Get to know our other Spotters from Istanbul
As featured on:
