Arriving in Istanbul , everyone is simply obliged to visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, which is the second largest mosque in the city and the first in size. In addition to hosting services for Muslims in Istanbul, the Suleymaniye Mosque is also a local attraction. This unique building was built in 1550 by the decree of Sultan Suleiman the Legislator, and the very famous and outstanding architect Sinan took up this project. Let's learn more about the history of this complex, as well as get acquainted with the objects located on its territory.
History of the construction of the Suleymaniye Mosque
The mosque was built according to the example of the mosque of St. Sophia, but in the plans of the Sultan and the architect himself was to make a building superior to his model. It took 7 years to build the mosque. It seems that not such a long time for that time and such a size, but Suleiman did not like it. Because of this, the life of the architect was "in question". But the clever Sultan realized that if something had happened to Sinan, his dreams would never have come to life.
There is a legend, which says that during the construction of the sultan, a casket with precious stones was sent into mockery. So the Persian Shah hinted that the Sultan would not have enough money to build money. Angered, Suleiman distributed some of the jewelry on the market, and the rest was ordered to mix in the solution, which was then used to build the mosque.
43 years after the opening of the mosque was a severe fire, but it was saved and restored. Years later one more misfortune happened to the complex - a strong earthquake collapsed one of its domes. But the restoration again returned the Suleymaniye mosque to its former appearance.
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The Suleymaniye Mosque in our days
Unfortunately, now visitors will not be able to see all the beauty of this mosque, some of the premises are necessarily under reconstruction, but in general it is possible to describe local sights.
Let's start with the dry figures and sizes of the mosque, which allow us to accommodate about 5000 prayers at the same time. The space of the mosque is 60 by 63 meters, the height from the floor to the dome is 61 meters, and the diameter is about 27 meters. In the afternoon the mosque is illuminated by 136 windows located on the walls, and 32 windows of domes. Earlier in the dark the light came from candles installed on a huge chandelier, today they were replaced by ordinary electricity.
As we have already said, the Suleymaniye Mosque is a complex on the territory of which there are also rooms reserved for household needs and accessories, baths, hamam, and a cemetery with mausoleums. In the mausoleums of the mosque you can see the tomb of Sultan Suleiman himself, where he lies along with his daughter Mikhrimah. The walls of their burial are laid out of red and blue slabs, on some of which one can see the phrases from the Koran. Not far from the Sultan in the mosque of Sulaymaniye, the tomb of Hürrem, the wife of the Sultan, is located.
In addition to this famous family, in the cemetery you can see the burials of many other important people, as well as gravestones, which were installed here as historical exhibits. Those who wish to visit the grave of the famous architect will also be able to satisfy their curiosity. Sinan himself designed his tomb separately standing on the territory of the mosque, in which he was placed after his death. Of course, it is not such a splendid sight, but it's worth a visit.
In addition to everything described, visitors will be able to see 4 minarets, which for the Sultan meant that he was the 4th Sultan after the capture of Constantinople. On the minarets, 10 balconies were cut, the number of which is also not accidental: Suleiman was the 10th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
How to get to the Suleymaniye Mosque?
Using public transport, and more specifically trams, know that they will not drive directly to the mosque. So, coming out at your stop, you have to choose: either a ten-minute walk or a taxi ride. If you are still poorly oriented in the city, then do not risk and immediately go to the taxi drivers: so time, and nerves will save.