Süleymaniye Camii (Mosque of Süleyman)

Süleymaniye Camii (Mosque of Süleyman) Review

Perched on a hilltop near Istanbul University, the largest mosque in Istanbul is less arresting visually than Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Cami and some of the other mosques and monuments the architect Sinan designed, but a masterful achievement and grand presence nonetheless. This mosque houses Sinan's tomb, along with that of his patron, Süleyman the Magnificent, and the sultan's wife, Roxelana. The architectural thrill here is the enormous dome. Supported by four square columns and arches, as well as exterior walls with smaller domes on either side, the soaring space gives the impression that it's held up principally by divine cooperation. Look around the grounds, because the complex still incorporates a hospital, a caravansaray, a huge kitchen, several schools, and other charitable institutions that mosques traditionally operate—and don't miss the wonderful views of the Golden Horn.