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Süleymaniye Mosque

1 Profesör Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi, Süleymaniye, İstanbul

Description

The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of Istanbul's skyline defining features. Commissioned in the mid-16th century by Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan, it sits on the Third Hill of the city, commanding extensive views of the Golden Horn and Galata / Beyoğlu side. It is notable by its exceptional size, and it was until 2019 the largest mosque in Istanbul. The exterior was inspired the Hagia Sophia and the Bayezid II Mosque and thus combines Byzantine and Islamic architectural styles. The complex features 4 tall minarets (76m), a large forecourt with a central fountain, a main dome 56m high and 26m in diameter, and the mausoleums of Sultan Suleiman I and his wife Hurrem Sultan.

Access & Transport

The mosque is located in Eminönü, 600m away from both the Galata and Ataturk bridges. There are several bus stops along Ragıp Gümüşpala Cd and Ataturk Bld as well as ferry services near the Galata Bridge. The Vezneciler metro station (M2) is 700m southwest of the mosque and the Eminönü tram station (T1), 1km to the northeast.

Instructions & Recommendations

Note that some of the best views of the mosque are from Galata bridge, in the evenings. Please check prayer times in advance (closed to tourists during that time) and make sure you are appropriately dressed. Link to Istanbul prayer times: https://namazvakitleri.diyanet.gov.tr/en-US/9541/prayer-time-for-istanbul

Meta review

It is tagged as unmissable but somehow not as well-known as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Online travellers' reviews confirm that this should not be the case because they rate the building as superior and often comment that this is the most impressive mosque in the city.

Environmental & Social

No environmental impact and helps preserve the city's architectural and historical heritage

Conclusion

Travellers should not think of Süleymaniye Mosque as an optional monument to visit after Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque because each of those bring something unique to the table. In the case of Süleymaniye, it is the sheer size of the complex and its grand forecourt.

Key positive

Stunning size and beautifully balanced architectural elements

Centrally located and free entrance

Good views over the city from the garden next to the mosque

Key negative

-

Suitability

No religious denomination restriction but it is important to dress properly and avoid prayer times. Wheelchair users will need to transfer to the mosque's own equipment before accessing the carpeted areas

About this Rating

TYPE

Onsite

RESEARCHED IN

May 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Closed during prayer times

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h

Regulated hours

Monday09:00 - 18:00

Tuesday09:00 - 18:00

Wednesday09:00 - 18:00

Thursday09:00 - 18:00

Friday09:00 - 18:00

Saturday09:00 - 18:00

Sunday09:00 - 18:00

Pricing
Donations are welcome
Free

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