Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey

History of Suleymaniye Mosque

The beautiful Iznik tiles used in the carvings of the mosque depict the history of Suleymaniye Mosque. The mosque has even suffered fire and destruction. The fire on the 1660 had destroyed the mosque completely, and then it was later reconstructed by Sultan Mehmed 4. There had even been destruction due to wars. The mosque had suffered great destruction during the world war when the mosque was used for keeping explosives and had caught fire. Most of the carvings and pillars had been destroyed and only a few originals can be viewed now. The mosque was completely reconstructed and renovated in 1956.

Architecture of Suleymaniye Mosque

Located on one of the seven hills of Istanbul, the Suleymaniye Mosque proves to be a landmark for the city and symbolizes the Ottoman rule as it is an Ottoman imperial mosque.

The mosque has 4 minarets with 10 balconies in each. Even the number of minarets and balconies symbolizes that Sultan Suleiman was the fourth of the Osmanh rulers and the 10th sultan after the empire was fully established. Its beautiful gardens have some of the most beautiful flowers and trees which represent the history of the place.

Amazing Facts about Suleymaniye Mosque

The mosque houses a religious school, hospital, soup kitchen, bazaar, library, caravanserai, and numerous tombs.

Crowning one of the seven hills of Istanbul, Suleymaniye Mosque is a landmark for the entire city.

The dome of the mosque is as large as the one crowns the Byzantine basilica.

Once occupied by Mimar Sinan, one of its houses of Ottoman era has now been turned into a cafe.