The Süleymaniye Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and designed by renowned architect Mimar Sinan, stands atop Istanbul’s Third Hill as the city's largest Ottoman-era mosque. When you visit this masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, you will experience an expansive religious and charitable complex (külliye) that historically included madrasas, a hospital, and a public kitchen. Built between 1550 and 1557, its design intentionally references the Hagia Sophia to reflect the empire's power and Sunni orthodoxy.
As you walk through the grounds, you can explore the grand colonnaded courtyard featuring marble, granite, and porphyry columns, framed by window lunettes decorated with vibrant Iznik tiles containing early tomato-red underglaze. Behind the qibla wall, you will find an enclosed cemetery housing the separate octagonal mausoleums of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife, Hurrem Sultan (Roxelana). Set within a designated UNESCO World Heritage site on the Historic Peninsula, the mosque commands stunning, extensive views of the surrounding city and the Golden Horn.
Whether you are admiring Sinan's structural genius or taking in the historic atmosphere, the Süleymaniye Mosque offers an unforgettable highlight of Istanbul's rich imperial history.
What to see at Süleymaniye Mosque
- Commands extensive views of Istanbul and the Golden Horn from the Third Hill
- Masterpiece design by imperial architect Mimar Sinan commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent
- Grand colonnaded courtyard with marble, granite, and porphyry columns
- Enclosed cemetery featuring the octagonal mausoleums of Suleiman and Hurrem Sultan
Visiting tips
Be sure to examine the courtyard window lunettes to see early examples of vibrant tomato-red Iznik tiles.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Early morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
Süleymaniye Mosque is easy to reach on Istanbul’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Istanbul travel guide.
See the full Istanbul travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.