Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul

Editor: Rasim Terzi (Sun, Aug 27, 2023 2:37 PM)

Süleymaniye Mosque: The Iconic Landmark of Istanbul

Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul

Süleymaniye Mosque: The Iconic Landmark of Istanbul

In the historical heart of Istanbul, where each hill boasts an Ottoman Sultan's Mosque, the Süleymaniye Mosque stands as the most significant structure. Positioned to welcome those arriving from the Bosphorus, this mosque's silhouette often graces the photos of tourists on the Galata Bridge. With its four minarets and ten balconies, the mosque symbolizes Suleiman the Magnificent, the 4th Sultan after the conquest of Istanbul and the 10th Sultan in the Osman Sultan rank.

Construction Legends:

Numerous legends surround the construction of Süleymaniye. One tale suggests that, due to the prolonged construction period, the King of Iran sent a chest of gold to Suleiman, offering to finance and expedite the completion. In response, it's said that Suleiman mixed the gold with the mortar used in the mosque. Another legend involves a marble with a hidden cross sent by the Vatican. Once discovered, the marble was placed at the mosque's entrance, symbolizing unity.

Location and Construction:

Mimar Sinan, the architect, selected the garden of the Old Ottoman Palace as the mosque's location, ensuring it was built on halal land. To choose the ideal spot, Sinan slaughtered hundreds of small animals, placing their meat across Istanbul. The Süleymaniye Mosque was built where the meat had the least rot. Sinan disappeared after completing the foundation, only to return later and continue construction.

Construction Stories:

Several tales add character to the mosque's construction. Suleiman, in disguise, reportedly saw Sinan enjoying a hookah in the mosque and reprimanded him. Sinan promised completion in two months, leading to non-stop work, even causing the master calligrapher Ahmet Karahisari to go blind.

Süleymaniye Tomb:

The Süleymaniye Tomb displays exquisite Osman Tombstones, including one for an unmarried woman adorned with a wedding dress pattern. Intricate flower patterns symbolize the children of happy mothers, while a broken rose signifies a woman who died without marrying. The tomb is divided for Suleiman the Magnificent, Hürrem Sultan, and others.

Madrasahs around Süleymaniye:

The Süleymaniye Mosque is surrounded by madrasahs, marking a new era in Ottoman education. Initially called Evel (one), Sani (two), Salis (Three), and Rabi (Four), these institutions were vital for scientific endeavors in Istanbul.

Süleymaniye Bath:

The Süleymaniye Hamam is unique, allowing both men and women to bathe together. It's known as the "pourer bath" due to its proximity to pourer tradesmen. Mimar Sinan, who lived nearby, frequented this hamam.

Dried Beans and Pumpkin Dessert in Süleymaniye:

The area around Süleymaniye offers an opportunity to savor the trio of Turkish Cuisine: Dry Beans, Rice, and Pickles. Converted from old madrasas, these restaurants lack toilets but are popular among Istanbul University students for lunch.

Süleymaniye Agha Gate:

Formerly the residence of the Janissary Agha, this building now serves as the Mufti of Istanbul. Sultan Mahmud II allocated this region to the Sheikhul Islam after the elimination of the janissaries.

Süleymaniye Tabernacle:

Once a home for the poor and a nursing home, Süleymaniye Tabhane was later used as a museum of Turkish and Islamic art.

Mimar Sinan and his Tomb:

Mimar Sinan's tomb, located in a corner of Süleymaniye, is shaped like a compass, reflecting the most-used tool in his works. In the 1930s, debates led to the removal of Sinan's skull from the tomb. Unfortunately, the skull was lost during this process, leaving the tomb without a head.

The Süleymaniye Mosque and its surroundings are rich in history, legends, and architectural wonders, making it a must-visit destination for those exploring Istanbul's cultural tapestry.

Sun, Aug 27, 2023 2:37 PM

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