The Süleymaniye Mosque - Museum Label
Title: Süleymaniye Mosque
Architect: Mimar Sinan
Date: 1550 - 1557 CE
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
The Süleymaniye Mosque is an Ottoman Mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey known as one of Mimar Sinan’s greatest architectural achievements. Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, construction of the Süleymaniye Mosque began in 1550 CE. In direct competition with the Hagia Sophia , it utilizes similar architectural elements such as its numerous semicircular domes, large central dome, and its tympana of windows. Being in direct competition with the Hagia Sophia, Sinan utilizes architectural elements to convey a sense of superiority through its sheer size and scale of said elements. Although Sinan achieves a structure like the Hagia Sophia, he does not best it until the completion of the Selimuye Mosque. Through its intricate internal space and lavishness and its external size and scale, Sinan created an architectural monument recognized immediately by its size and extravagance.
Aerial view of the Süleymaniye Mosque
Inside view of the Süleymaniye Mosque highlighting central dome
