Suleyman the Magnificent demanded that a mosque be built that was fitting to his majesty, whereupon this structure was erected, soon considered the supreme model of Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. Its graceful and simple design appropriates meditation and quiet reflection over materialism and grandiosity. The vast outer courtyard gives way to the prayer hall, as seen in most great mosques. Four minarets rise from the corners of the courtyard, supposedly signifying Suleyman’s position as the fourth Ottoman ruler of Istanbul, while the ten balconies of the minarets indicate he was the tenth sultan of the dynasty. The marble prayer hall is the most splendid and serene in Istanbul.

Written by  George Monkhouse.

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