Suleymaniye Camii ( Suleymaniye Mosque )

Suleymaniye Camii ( Suleymaniye Mosque )

The district of Süleymaniye which is part of Eminönü got its name from the Süleymaniye Mosque and Külliye built by Mimar Sinan upon the odre of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman.  The madrasahs of the Kulliye of suleymaniye were probably the mos important and elite districts of the city due to the respectability the ulema (Muslim theologians and scholars) until the firs quater of the 17th century. In addition they were the institutions which offered. the highest level of education in Istanbul.

The district used to be one of the important trade and science senters of Istanbul during the ottoman Era. Now It is an important centre for culture and tourism.

Suleymaniye lost its importance in the 20th centurey however its traditionl structures have been preserved since the 1950s. Despite some damege, the district f Suleymaniye is still a historical district where toursm becomes the priority.

Suleymaniye Mosque

This is the mosque built by Mimar Sinan between 1550 and 1557 in the name of Kanuni Sultan Süleyman. 

Süleymaniye Mosque which is considered to be mimar Sinans apprentic work was built as a part of the Süleymaniye Külliye which includes a library, madrasah, hospital, bathhouse, soup kitchen and an old burial ground. 

The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture. Although it has survived over a hundred earthquakes since it was built there is no even a signle crack in its walls. The dome of the mosqu which situated on four elephant feet, is 53 meters high and it has a diameter of 26,5 meters. This main dome is supported with two semi-domes, like Hagia Sophia, There are 32 windows on the dome wheel and there is one minaret each on the four sides of the courtyard of the mosque. The two minarets adjacent to the mosque three minaters smmbols and they are 76 meters high. The other two meeting place of the crowd.have two minater symbols which are 56 meters high. The new mosque was built with air circulation that cleaned up the lampbalack caused by the oul lamps. The lampblack coming from the mosque was collected in the room above the main entrance gate and used for making ink. In the middle of the courtyard surrounded by 25arcades, there is a rectangular fountain.