SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE

The Suleymaniye Mosque is the biggest mosque in Istanbul and one of the most important symbols of the city. It was built by the order of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman (Suleiman the Magnificent) and was constructed by the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan. The construction work began in 1550 and the mosque was finished in 1558. The mosque is 59 meters in length and 58 meters in width. The main dome is 53 meters high and has a diameter of 27.25 meters.

Apart from the main mosque with the prayer hall (cami) and courtyard (avlu), the mosque complex also includes a caravanserai or seraglio, a public kitchen (imaret) which served food to the poor, a hospital (darüşşifa), a Qur'an school (medrese) and a bath-house (hamam).

In the garden behind the main mosque there are two mausoleums (türbe) including the tombs of Sultan Suleyman I and his wife Roxelana (Haseki Hürrem).
Just outside the mosque walls to the north is the humble tomb of Sinan, designed by the occupant himself.

All complex with mosque and so many other facilities one of the best example of idea of Islamic life that mosque is in center and life organized around. District around mosque also called Suleymaniye which worth to see traditional Ottoman life and true local life of Istanbul.

Practical Information
*It is possible to reach to Suleymaniye Mosque complex from either Beyazit or Eminonu tramp stop by ten minutes nice walk.
*Since it is still active mosque it is open everyday of year from 08.00 am to 08.00 pm. But it is closing each praying time temporarily for visitors.
*Hovever ladies do not need to cover their heads it is better to carry a scarf with you and also both men and women need to have proper dress to cover shoulders and legs.
*No entrance fee