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.

Comments, reviews and questions

There are no posts. Why not be the first to have your say?

Add a comment, review or question

Review title
Your comment
Your rating
Your name
Your email address

 
 

Sponsored ads

  • Turkey and Greek Islands Tour

    10 day tour exploring the highlights of Istanbul and Izmir, followed by relaxation on Mykonos and Santorini. From $2310

    www.kensingtontours.com
  • Cultural holidays in Turkey

    Authentic value for money small group adventure tours. Explore the contrasts of Turkey, where East meets West.

    www.gapadventures.com
  • Cheap flights to Turkey

    Cheap flights and the latest flights deals to Turkey

    www.cheapflights.co.uk
  • The Turquoise Coast

    Beautiful walking, impressive ruins, stunning coastline & mountains, clear blue lagoons & a balmy year-round climate on the Turquoise Coast of Turkey.

    www.exodus.co.uk
  • Classical Turkey

    This tour combines the striking Aghia Sofia and the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, natural wonders of Pamukkale and the sites of Aphrodisias and Ephesus.

    www.greenbee.co.uk
  • Advertise here

Who's been here

No travelers have told us they have been here. Have you?

Similar experiences

  • Taj Mahal

    Of Mughal architectural design, the Taj Mahal is a true wonder of the world. It was built by Emperor Shah Jahan to commemorate …

  • Eiffel Tower

    Originally built for the 1889 World Fair, this structure was designed to incorporate the advancement of metallurgy in construct…

  • The Colosseum

    The most famous symbol of Rome, despite the crowds and the touts still one of the world's greatest monuments.

What's nearby

  • Egyptian Bazaar

    This is one of the oldest bazaars in Istanbul – so it's pretty old – it was built in the 16th and 17th Centuries, at the same t…

  • Yeni Mosque

    Also called the New Mosque, this is one of the great sights of Istanbul, an Ottoman Imperial mosque built on the 'Golden Horn' …

  • Ghostly figure at Dolmabahce Palace

    Dolmabache Palace, Istanbul Home to the Sultan's after Topkapi palace in the mid 19th C. to the 20th. I took this image and ca…

Related content

Subscribe to newsletter Add an experience Share