MOSQUES
SULTAN AHMET MOSQUE
Facing St. Sophia is the supremely elegant, imperial six minaret mosque of
Sultan Ahmet. Built between 1609 - 1616 by the architect Mehmet, it is known as
the Blue Mosque because of its magnificent interior decoration of blue Iznik
tiles. During the tourist season there is a light and sound show in the evening.
SULEYMANIYE
MOSQUE : The mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent , where he and his wife are
buried, is considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul. It
was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to
surpass the builders of St. Sophia. Standing on a hill, it is conspicuous by its
great size, emphasised by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the
courtyard.
RUSTEM PAÞA MOSQUE: Another skillful accomplishment of the architect
Sinan, Rustempasa
mosque was built in 16th century on the orders of Rustem Pasha, Grand Vizier and
son-in-law of Suleyman the Magnificent. The exquisite interior is covered with
some of the finest examples of Iznik tiles.
FATIH MOSQUE : This imperial mosque, constructed between 1463 and 1470, bears
the name of the conqueror of Istanbul, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and is the site of
his mausoleum. Standing on top of forth hill of Istanbul, it is notable for its
vast size and great complex of religious buildings surrounding it such as
theological schools, hospices, a hospital, baths, a caravanserai, and a library.
EYUP MOSQUE : The Great mosque of Eyup is situated outside the walls near the
Golden Horn, where standard-bearer of the Prophet Muhammed, died in an assault
on Constantinople in 670. His tomb is venerated and attracts many pilgrims. This
was the first mosque built after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul.
YENI MOSQUE : Built between 1597 and 1663,Yeni camii, located at Eminonu, is
one of the best known sights of Istanbul. An elegant fountain for ablutions
stands in the large courtyard and the sultan's section is decorated with marvelous
Iznik tiles.
SOKULLU MEHMET PASA MOSQUE : This 16th century mosque, constructed on the
slope of a hill below Sultan Ahmet Square, is one of the most beautiful examples
of classical Turkish architecture and is a masterpiece of the architect Sinan.
The pulpit and praying niches are of special interest as they are covered with
beautiful Iznik tiles.
MIHRIMAH SULTAN MOSQUE (EDIRNEKAPI) : This mosque was also designed by Sinan
and built in 1555 by Mihrimah Sultana, the daughter of Suleyman the Magnificent.
This majestic mosque has 161 windows (some with stained glass) , made in three
rows on each side, which fill this mosque with an abundance of light.
