What kind of mind-blowing structure can be created when a genius architect, the most powerful Ottoman Sultan and the inspiration drawn from a city like Constantinople come together?

The answer can only be Süleymaniye.

Located on the Third Hill of Istanbul dominating the Golden Horn, Süleymaniye is perhaps the most impressive mosque in the city. Built by the order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, it is the most famous work of Mimar Sinan, his chief architect. Sinan was responsible for more than 300 major structures built during the reigns of Sultans Suleiman, Selim II and Murad III.

Construction works began in 1550 and lasted for 7 years, resulting in the mosque that is as magnificent as the Sultan who commanded it. The size and design aim to show Sultan Suleiman's representation of himself as a second Solomon, just as Byzantine Emperor Justinian did upon the completion of Ayasofya: "Solomon, I have surpassed thee".

As I approached Süleymaniye from the Istanbul University campus, I saw the grey-coloured domes hide behind treetops of an intense green hue, signs of the beautiful sunset that was about to cover the city with a golden cloak. With every step I took it became more apparent: nothing compares to this place and the mysticism in the air.

When I was finally at the mosques' avlu(courtyard), I had to sit down to just observe the massive dome. This is the kind of moment in which mere observation turns into admiration in silence. I suddenly forgot about the world and focused entirely on the mosque, on its perfect proportions and its meaning in History.

To my eyes, Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent accomplished what he desired: he inscribed his name in the face of this city with golden lines of a poem that speaks about beauty and  spirituality.
A poem about Istanbul.

Entrance to the avlu (courtyard).

Mimar Sinan's genius innovation consisted in hiding the buttresses that sustain the structure in the walls.

Admiration.

View from Süleymaniye of the Bosphorus.

Allaho akbar! The muezzin's call to prayer fills the air with mysticism.

Süleymaniye mosque.

Courtyard scenes.

I stared at the domes for like half an hour. So incredible!!!!!

Portrait.

Have a great week,
Astrid