ISTANBUL, Turkey / Türkiye — Inside the prayer hall of Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul, ornately decorated in the imperial Ottoman style. Dedicated to Suleiman the Magnificent (or Suleiman I), the longest-reigning Ottoman Sultan (1520-1566), Süleymaniye Mosque stands prominently on Istanbul's Third Hill and is considered the city's most important mosque. It was completed in 1558.
The Suleymaniye Mosque, located in Istanbul, Turkey, is one of the most magnificent examples of Ottoman architecture and Islamic art. The mosque was designed by the celebrated architect Mimar Sinan for Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and it was completed in 1558. As a testament to its enduring grandeur, it stands as one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The Suleymaniye Mosque is built on a hill overlooking the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn, offering panoramic views of Istanbul. The mosque is part of a larger complex that includes a hospital, a library, a school, and the tombs of Sultan Suleiman and his wife, Hurrem Sultan. This integration of various public and private functions within a single complex embodies the societal vision of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque's architectural design is notable for its harmonious balance and proportion, with its large central dome supported by semi-domes, arches, and four minarets. It reflects the mastery of Mimar Sinan, who is considered one of the most innovative and influential architects in Ottoman history. The interior, adorned with exquisite Iznik tiles, stained glass, and calligraphic inscriptions, creates a tranquil space for reflection and prayer. The Suleymaniye Mosque remains an active place of worship and is also a major tourist attraction. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it symbolizes the historical richness of Istanbul and the cultural legacy of the Ottoman Empire.
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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