Name: Mosque Of Suleiman The Magnificent – Not To Be Missed
Brand: Egypt Tours Plus
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The Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent is not only Istanbul’s largest mosque, but it has also been voted as one of the city’s most striking landmarks. You can expect to this this incredible mosque feature in several of our Egypt and Turkey tours.

Aerial view of Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent (Suleymaniya Mosque) in Istanbul, Turkey.

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While most travel publications and most western tour operators refer to this architectural masterpiece as the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, the vast majority of Turks know it as the Suleymaniye Mosque.

Regardless of what name you favor, it is one of the most important attractions in Istanbul, Turkey that you really don’t want to miss. It well and truly is a sight to behold, which of course is why it’s considered to be one of Istanbul’s most renowned mosques, along with the Blue Mosque. It is also the city’s biggest mosque. In fact, it is so vast in size, that it qualifies as being one of only a few Ottoman Imperial Mosques.

7 Interesting Facts about the Mosque of Suleiyman the Magnificent

1. The Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, also known as the Suleymaniye Mosque, is located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.

2. The mosque complex includes not only the main mosque but also a hospital, a madrasa (religious school), a kitchen for distributing food to the poor, and a caravanserai (inn for travelers).

3. The mosque is one of the largest in Istanbul and is considered one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. It features a large dome, four towering minarets, and intricate tile work.

4. The interior of the mosque is adorned with beautiful stained glass windows, calligraphy, and marble columns. The mihrab (prayer niche) is made of finely carved marble and is considered a masterpiece of Islamic art.

5. The mosque’s courtyard is surrounded by a covered colonnade with small domes, providing shade for worshipers. The courtyard also features a garden with fountains and cypress trees.

6. The Suleymaniye Mosque offers stunning views of the Golden Horn, the Bosphorus, and the city of Istanbul from its elevated position on the Third Hill.

7. The mosque complex has been a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Istanbul for centuries. It continues to be an active mosque and a key cultural site in Turkey.

A Brief History Of The Mosque Complex Suleiman the Magnificent

Construction of the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent (known as Süleymaniye Camii in Turkish), began during the 16th century, in 1550 on orders from Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, and was only completed eight years later in 1558. From an architectural point of view, the mosque is a fantastically elaborate blend of Islamic and Byzantine architecture. In fact, it’s this distinguishing quality which has attracted the attention of the world.

A prime example can be seen in the minarets which are unusually tall and slender, and also in the use of domes which are supported by half domes. Many historians actually believe that the chief architect, Mimar Sinan, was inspired by Hagia Sophia, an ancient Byzantine church that also features large domes supported by smaller domes.

It is known that Sultan Suleyman, to a certain extent, believed he was a second Solomon, and some design features are reminiscent of the “Dome Of The Rock” which was later built on the site of Solomon’s Temple.

The Partial Destruction Of The Mosque Complex

The Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent was severely damaged by a massive fire in 1660 but was soon restored to its former glory by Sultan Mehmed IV. Disaster struck once again in 1766, but this time it was a major earthquake that caused the main dome to collapse.

Disaster struck for a third time during the First World War. The forecourt was being used for storing ammunition, when another major fire broke out. This time however, the mosque was left as is for several years, before it was eventually restored during the 20th century, in 1956.

At Egypt Tours Plus, we try to include as many top attractions as we can in our various Egypt and Turkey tours, including sites such as this mosque. We can also amend any and all of our tours to include this site if you don’t see it featured in your preferred tour itinerary.

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A Mosque Of Grandeur

The Sultan wanted a mosque so grand that countless generations would be inspired by its grandeur, and that is exactly what he got. Like most other imperial mosques, it has an immense courtyard, complete with a colonnade supported by pillars crafted from marble; granite and etc.

The Mosque also has four minarets, a feature which was quite rare at the time since only a sultan could commission a mosque with more than two minarets. However, even a sultan couldn’t request more than four minarets.

Another striking feature is the 53 meter height of the central dome with its large diameter of nearly 28 meters. Some historians have speculated that the sultan wanted a complex equal to, or greater than Solomon’s Temple. Justinian who ordered the building of the Hagia Sophia had the same ambition, and on completion of the Hagia Sophia, declared that he was greater than Solomon.

Other historians argue that if the sultan had wanted to, he could have ordered for the mosque to be bigger than it actually is, given that it is smaller than the Hagia Sophia church, which incidentally was converted into a mosque when the Ottoman Turks invaded. Regardless of its size, the complex is fantastically exquisite and certainly worth a visit.

To explore the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent, along with countless other world famous historical attractions, including underground cisterns; underground cities and long forgotten cave churches, please visit our Egypt and Turkey Tours page now.

Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent – Frequently Asked Question

Can I visit the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent without a guide?

Yes, but visiting this site with a guide makes for a far better and far more rewarding experience. At Egypt Tours Plus, we can offer you truly flawless Turkey tour packages to any and all attractions, And, for an even more unforgettable experience, why not consider one of our epic Egypt and Turkey combination tours?

Are non-Muslim visitors allowed inside the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent?

Yes, tourists, including non-Muslims, can enter this mosque mosque but they should refrain from doing so during prayer times.

Must visitors adhere to a particular dress code?

Men are expected to wear pants that covers to at least below the knees. Women must cover their legs, hair, neck and shoulders. Be aware that if you are dressed inappropriately, you are likely to be denied access.

Where was Suleiman the Magnificent buried?

Sultan Suleiman and his favorite wife were both laid to rest in two seperate mausoleums on the premises of the mosque. Visitors can visit both mausoleums during their visit to the mosque.

How much does it cost to visit Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent?

Admission to the mosque is free although donations are always welcome. Also bear in mind the mosque is open 24/7 for worship but opening times for visitors is from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.