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Süleymaniye Mosque

Fatih

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About This Attraction

The Süleymaniye Mosque (Turkish: Süleymaniye Camii) is an Ottoman imperial mosque located on the Third Hill of Istanbul, Turkey. The mosque was commissioned by Suleyman the Magnificent (r. 1520–1566) and designed by the imperial architect Mimar Sinan. An inscription specifies the foundation date as 1550 and the inauguration date as 1557.

The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the best-known sights of Istanbul and from its location on the Third Hill it commands an extensive view of the city around the Golden Horn. It is considered a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture and one of Mimar Sinan’s greatest works. It is the largest Ottoman-era mosque in the city.

During its construction, more than 3,500 workers laboured on the building. Süleyman sought to use his new mosque to rival the grandeur of the Byzantine-built church Hagia Sophia. The Süleymaniye Mosque is smaller than the Hagia Sophia, but it is arguably a more graceful structure.

Like other Ottoman imperial foundations, the mosque is part of a larger külliye (religious and charitable complex) which included madrasas, a public kitchen, and a hospital, among others. The complex originally housed a hospital, schools, library, bathhouse, soup kitchen, and caravanserai, serving as a comprehensive social and religious center for the community.

Interesting Facts

Built by Mimar Sinan, considered the greatest Ottoman architect.
Took 7 years to complete (1550-1557) with over 3,500 workers.
Central dome is 53 meters high with 26.5-meter diameter - exactly half the height.
Contains tombs of Suleyman the Magnificent and his wife Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana).
Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Areas of Istanbul".
Survived Great Fire of 1660 and earthquake damage but was fully restored by 1956.
First building to use bright tomato-red Iznik tiles under the glaze.
Complex originally included hospital, schools, library, bathhouse, and soup kitchen.
Architect Mimar Sinan is buried in modest tomb in northeast corner of complex.
Inspired by both Hagia Sophia and Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem.
Prayer hall measures 58.5 by 57.5 meters, forming nearly perfect square.
Courtyard measures 47 by 57 meters with exceptional grandeur.
Built on highest hill overlooking Golden Horn for strategic and symbolic importance.
Represents peak of Ottoman architectural achievement during empire's golden age.

Visitor Information

Opening Hours

Daily: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (May vary seasonally) Friday: Opens at 1:30 PM (after Friday prayers) Closed during prayer times (approximately 30 minutes before each prayer) Note: Prayer times change throughout the year based on sunrise/sunset

Entrance Fee

Free

Recommended Duration

1 hour

Best Time to Visit

Fall, Morning, Spring, Summer, Weekdays

Address

Prof. Sıddık Sami Onar Caddesi No:1, Süleymaniye Mahallesi, 34116 Fatih/Istanbul

Location & Map

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Frequently Asked Questions

Süleymaniye Mosque is considered the masterpiece of Mimar Sinan, the Ottoman Empire's greatest architect, and represents the peak of Ottoman architecture. Built for Suleiman the Magnificent between 1550-1557, it's the largest Ottoman-era mosque in Istanbul and part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mosque offers stunning panoramic views of the Golden Horn and houses the tombs of Suleiman and his famous wife Hürrem Sultan.
Yes, Süleymaniye Mosque is completely free to visit. It's open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, except during prayer times when it closes for approximately 30 minutes. On Fridays, it opens at 1:30 PM after the congregational prayer. Prayer times vary throughout the year, so visitors should check current schedules to avoid closures.
Visitors must dress modestly to enter Süleymaniye Mosque. Women must cover their hair with a scarf, wear long-sleeved clothing, and cover legs with long pants or skirts. Men must wear long pants and avoid sleeveless shirts. If you don't have appropriate clothing, scarves and coverings are often available for borrowing at the entrance.
A complete visit to Süleymaniye Mosque takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. This includes time to explore the interior prayer hall (20-30 minutes), visit the tombs of Suleiman and Hürrem Sultan (15-30 minutes), enjoy the courtyard and panoramic views (15-20 minutes), and possibly visit nearby Mimar Sinan's tomb.
Süleymaniye Mosque is older (1557) and larger than the Blue Mosque (1616), representing the height of Ottoman architectural achievement. While the Blue Mosque is famous for its blue tiles and six minarets, Süleymaniye has four minarets and is considered more architecturally sophisticated. Süleymaniye offers better panoramic views and is generally less crowded than the Blue Mosque.
Yes, non-Muslims are welcome to visit Süleymaniye Mosque outside of prayer times. Visitors of all faiths can explore the mosque's architectural beauty and historical significance. However, everyone must follow the dress code and respectful behavior guidelines, removing shoes before entering the prayer hall and maintaining quiet, reverent conduct throughout the visit.
Süleymaniye Mosque represents the pinnacle of Ottoman power and architectural achievement during Suleiman the Magnificent's reign (1520-1566). Built by master architect Mimar Sinan, it symbolized the empire's wealth and cultural sophistication. The mosque served as more than a religious center—its complex included hospitals, schools, and social services, demonstrating the Ottoman concept of comprehensive community care and Islamic charity.