Suleymaniye Mosque, in other words, Suleymaniye Camii, is the largest and also the finest of all great mosques in Istanbul. It was constructed between 1550-1557 for Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the magnificent by his master architect Mimar Sinan. Its fantastic domes and minarets dominate the skyline above the Golden Horn and they are best seen at sunset from Galata Bridge.
Four minarets of the mosque symbolize that Suleiman the Magnificient was the fourth Ottoman Sultan ruling Istanbul and ten şerefes (balcony around the minaret) on four minarets symbolize that Suleiman the Magnificient was the tenth Ottoman Sultan in power.
Suleiman the Magnificent, his most beloved wife Hurrem and Mimar Sinan are all buried in separate tombs located in court yard of the mosque.
Suleymaniye Mosque is also located in Sultanahmet area and it is one of the highlights of the old town. You can walk there from your hotel in 10-15 minutes and visit this masterpiece easily.
