Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul / Süleymaniye Camii

Suleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii, Suleymaniye Jami) - the largest mosque in Istanbul, and the second most important for believers. At the same time, up to 5,000 people can pray in it! Built by the great Sultan Suleiman I The Magnificent (Kanuni Sultan Süleyman) in 1550-1557. It is fair to say that although this is the largest mosque, it is not the largest religious building in Istanbul. It is inferior in height and width Hagia Sophia. In the courtyard is the mausoleum where the Sultan and his wife rest.

Today it is a functioning mosque, but it can also be visited by tourists in between prayers. When visiting, you need to follow the rules: no mini-skirts, shorts, T-shirts, open or provocative clothes, you need to take off your shoes.

The mosque was built for 7 years by the famous architect Sinan (Mimar Sinan). The construction was difficult, as it involved the construction of an underground fortification to keep the mosque on the slope. The architect's idea was a success, and thanks to the underground fortification, the mosque survived 89 earthquakes and even a fire.

The architecture was also intended to glorify Sultan Suleiman I, so four high minarets were built (the fourth ruling Sultan in the dynasty), and ten balconies on them (the tenth in the dynasty). In addition to the mosque itself, a madrasa, a shelter for travelers, a hospital, a bathhouse, a dining room were also built here, which formed the traditional complex of social and cultural life of Kulie (Kulliyesi).

To make it more interesting to visit the mosque and other places in Istanbul, it is best to do it with a guide. You can pick up a group or individual tour from local guides, including in Russian, on one of these trusted sites:

• Excursions from the tour operator TezTour
• Excursions from Sputnik8
• Trips from Tripster