Suleymaniye Mosque

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The size of the Süleymaniye Cami (Suleymaniye Mosque) is one of the things that stands out most about it. It was built by the famous architect Mimar Sinan and is known to be one of his best works and biggest designs.


Things to do at Suleymaniye Mosque (Suleymaniye Cami):


  • Marvel at the sight of stunning architecture: The minarets have ten small balconies, or galleries, in total. This is a sign, according to tradition, that Sulayman I was the 10th Ottoman sultan. The entrance to the mosque has a forecourt with a fountain in the middle, just like all the imperial mosques in Istanbul. Iznik tiles in blue, shaped like rectangles, are used to decorate the outside of the mosque. The central dome is 47m high, awe-inspiring, and the inside is also beautifully decorated. 

  • Get inspired by the religious, sentimental value: The first chapter of the Quran, Surah al-Fatiha, is written in calligraphy on large tiles on either side of the mihrab. The inside is always cool, partly because the original design included a clever air-flow system that directs the soot from the candles and oil lamps to a single point.

  • Walk around the premise to see additional buildings: The Suleymaniye Mosque, like the other imperial mosques in the city, was both a place of worship and a charity, or kulliye. The mosque is surrounded by the buildings that used to be its hospital, soup kitchen, schools, caravanserai, and bath house. This complex had a welfare system that fed more than 1,000 poor people daily in the city. These people were Muslims, Christians, and Jews. The size of the millstone in the building's courtyard shows how much grain was needed to feed everyone.

  • Explore the neighborhood for tombs: The tombs of Sultan Sulayman I, his wife Roxelana, his daughter Mihrimah, his mother Dilaşub Saliha, and his sister Asiye are in two mausoleums in the garden behind the main mosque. Sulayman II and Ahmed II were also buried here. 

  • Pay tribute to the pristine Islamic treasure: Inside the main tomb is a piece of the Hajar al-Aswad. This piece of the Black Stone is part of the most essential building in Islam, the Kaaba in Makkah.

  • Pay homage to Sinan's Tomb: Sinan is considered the best Ottoman architect during the classical period. His tomb is just outside the mosque's walls, to the north.

FAQs: Explore Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul

Q. Who built Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul?

A: The mosque was built by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan under the commission of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.

Q. What are the visiting hours of Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul?

A: The mosque is open to visitors every day from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except during prayer times.

Q. What are the unique features of Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul?

A: Some of the unique features of the mosque include its massive dome, intricate tile work, and beautiful calligraphy inscriptions. It also has four minarets, which is a symbol of the mosque's importance and significance.

Q. Is there an entry fee for Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul?

A: No, there is no entrance fee for visiting Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul.

Q. Is there any dress code to enter the Suleymaniya Mosque Istanbul?

A. The visitors are required to dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the mosque premises.

  • imageDuration Required
    1 hour 30 minutes

Address of Suleymaniye Mosque

Prof. SIddIk Sami Onar Cd. No:1 Süleymaniye Mah, Istanbul 34116 Turkey

Opening & Closing time of Suleymaniye Mosque

  • Monday
    09:00-18:00
  • Tuesday
    09:00-18:00
  • Wednesday
    09:00-18:00
  • Thursday
    09:00-18:00
  • Friday
    09:00-18:00
  • Saturday
    09:00-18:00
  • Sunday
    09:00-18:00

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