What is the Süleymaniye Mosque and where is it located?

The Süleymaniye Mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque situated on the Third Hill of Istanbul, Turkey. It is renowned as one of the most significant examples of Ottoman architecture and is considered one of Mimar Sinan's greatest works.

Who commissioned the Süleymaniye Mosque and who was its architect?

The mosque was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who reigned from 1520 to 1566. It was designed by the esteemed imperial architect Mimar Sinan.

When was the Süleymaniye Mosque constructed?

Construction of the Süleymaniye Mosque began in 1550, as indicated by an inscription, and it was inaugurated in 1557. However, work on the complex likely continued for a few years beyond the inauguration date.

What is the architectural significance of the Süleymaniye Mosque?

The Süleymaniye Mosque is considered a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, representing a culmination of classical Ottoman design. It is also noted for its innovative structural solutions and its harmonious integration with the urban landscape.

How does the Süleymaniye Mosque relate to the Hagia Sophia in its design?

The Süleymaniye Mosque's design and layout intentionally recall the Hagia Sophia, which had been converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. This emulation was likely motivated by Sultan Suleiman's desire to surpass the Hagia Sophia, a symbol of imperial sovereignty.

What was the broader purpose of the Süleymaniye Mosque beyond being a place of worship?

As an Ottoman imperial foundation, the mosque was part of a larger complex, known as a külliye, which included religious and charitable institutions. These facilities served to support the community and reinforce the sultan's role as a benevolent ruler and protector of Islamic tradition.

What types of buildings were included in the Süleymaniye Mosque's külliye (complex)?

The külliye surrounding the Süleymaniye Mosque originally comprised madrasas (religious colleges), a primary school (mekteb), a medical school (darüttıbb), a hospital (darüşşifa), a public kitchen (imaret), a caravanserai (tabhane), public baths (hamam), a school for hadith studies (darülhadis), and various shops. Many of these structures still exist today.

What is the historical context behind the commission of the Süleymaniye Mosque?

Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent commissioned the mosque to represent the pre-eminence of the Ottoman Empire. It was built during a period when Suleiman sought to solidify his role as an Islamic ruler, emphasizing the empire's adherence to Sharia law and Sunni ideology, partly in response to rivalry with the Shi'a Safavid dynasty.

How did the Süleymaniye Mosque's design reflect Suleiman the Magnificent's self-perception?

Suleiman the Magnificent sometimes represented himself as a "second Solomon," and his architectural projects, including the Süleymaniye Mosque and its mausoleum, appear to reflect this. The mosque's design references the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, which is associated with Solomon's Temple.

What materials were reportedly used in the construction of the Süleymaniye Mosque?

Marble spolia, which are reused architectural elements, were gathered from various sites in Constantinople and other parts of the empire for the mosque's construction. Petrus Gyllius, a contemporary observer, noted the use of porphyry columns and marble columns taken from the Hippodrome.

What damages has the Süleymaniye Mosque sustained throughout its history?

The mosque has been damaged by several events, including the great fire of 1660, which necessitated restoration by Sultan Mehmed IV. It also suffered damage from the earthquake of 1766, which caused part of the dome to collapse.

How were later restorations, particularly in the 19th century, carried out at the Süleymaniye Mosque?

Extensive repairs were made in the interior, minarets, courtyard, and tombs between 1858 and 1859. During this period, new structures like the muvakkithane (timekeeper's chamber) were added, and existing spaces were modified.

What impact did World War I have on the Süleymaniye Mosque?

During World War I, the mosque's courtyard was used as a weapons depot. A fire caused by ignited ammunition resulted in further damage to the mosque.

What were the issues with restoration materials used in the Süleymaniye Mosque in the 20th century?

Earlier restorations, particularly from the mid-20th century onwards, sometimes used inappropriate materials like cement-based mortars. These materials, along with gypsum-based plasters, damaged the original structure, obscured or destroyed original decorations, and altered the mosque's historical atmosphere.

Describe the courtyard of the Süleymaniye Mosque.

The Süleymaniye Mosque's courtyard is exceptionally grand, measuring approximately 47 by 57 meters. It features a colonnaded peristyle supported by tall columns of marble, granite, and porphyry, topped with classic Ottoman 'stalactite' capitals (muqarnas). It includes a central fountain and is surrounded by arcaded galleries.

What is notable about the fountain in the Süleymaniye Mosque's courtyard?

The central fountain in the courtyard is a rectangular marble enclosure with a ceiling from which water originally sprayed down into the basin below. This unusual feature was noted by 16th-century writers and is purely decorative today.

How many minarets does the Süleymaniye Mosque have, and what is their significance?

The mosque has four minarets, located at the corners of the courtyard. The two taller minarets have three balconies each and are 76 meters tall, including their caps. The use of four minarets was typically reserved for mosques endowed by a sultan, and their ten balconies are said to symbolize Suleiman the Magnificent being the tenth Ottoman sultan.

What is the overall design of the Süleymaniye Mosque's prayer hall?

The interior of the prayer hall is nearly square, measuring about 58.5 by 57.5 meters, creating a vast, unified space dominated by the central dome. The layout, featuring a central dome flanked by semi-domes and rows of smaller domes, emulates the Hagia Sophia and the Bayezid II Mosque.

How did Mimar Sinan innovate the structural design of the Süleymaniye Mosque's prayer hall?

Sinan minimized the visual impact of load-bearing elements by incorporating buttresses into the outer walls and creating colonnaded galleries around them. This allowed for more windows and a less obstructed interior space, contributing to a more harmonious external profile that emphasizes the central dome.

What decorative elements are found in the interior of the Süleymaniye Mosque?

The interior decoration is restrained, with calligraphy considered the primary form of adornment. While original painted decorations have largely been lost, later restorations introduced Baroque-style paintings. Iznik tiles are used, notably around the mihrab, and elaborate stained-glass windows are present on the qibla wall.

What is the significance of the calligraphy within the Süleymaniye Mosque?

The calligraphy, primarily in monumental thuluth script, is attributed to Hasan Çelebi. It emphasizes the mosque's orthodox Sunni character and reflects the Ottoman sultan's patronage of Islamic law and scholarship.

What is the status of the original painted decorations in the Süleymaniye Mosque?

Most, if not all, of the mosque's original painted decoration has been lost due to later damages and repairs. Traces suggest blue colors were used initially, before Sinan's preference for red. The current dome painting dates from a 19th-century restoration.

Where are the most elaborate stained-glass windows located in the mosque?

The most elaborate stained-glass windows are situated on the qibla wall, near the mihrab. These windows typically display the names of God, the Prophet Muhammad, and the four Rashidun caliphs.

What is the function and design of the mihrab and minbar in the mosque?

The mihrab is a traditional niche symbolizing the qibla, framed by marble with muqarnas and fluted columns. The minbar, or pulpit, is crafted in the classic Ottoman style with a staircase and canopy, featuring geometric patterns and gilded stars.

What tombs are located behind the qibla wall of the mosque?

Behind the qibla wall lies an enclosed cemetery containing the octagonal mausoleums of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife, Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana).

Describe the mausoleum of Suleiman the Magnificent.

The large octagonal mausoleum of Suleiman the Magnificent, dated to 1566, is one of the largest Ottoman mausoleums. Its design has been compared to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. It features a peristyle with a projecting roof supported by 24 columns and contains Iznik tiled panels, some of the earliest to feature emerald green.

What other notable figures are buried in Suleiman the Magnificent's mausoleum?

In addition to Sultan Suleiman I and Hürrem Sultan, the mausoleum also houses the tombs of their daughter Mihrimah Sultan, and later sultans Suleiman II and Ahmed II, along with Ahmed II's consort Rabia Sultan and daughter Asiye Sultan.

What is the significance of the Süleymaniye Mosque and its complex being a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

The Süleymaniye Mosque and its associated conservation area are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site 'Historic Areas of Istanbul.' It is protected under cultural criteria (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv), recognizing its outstanding universal value.

How did the sloping site influence the design of some buildings within the Süleymaniye complex?

Due to the site's slope, several structures, including some madrasas, were built above massive substructures to create level ground. The Salis Medrese and Rabı Medrese, for example, feature a 'stepped' design with descending terraces connected by stairs.

What was the function of the shops integrated into the Süleymaniye complex?

Rows of small shops were integrated into the outer edges and along the street on the southwest side of the mosque. These shops, along with others on the northeast sides of the madrasas, contributed revenues to support the mosque complex's endowment (waqf).

What is the 'Antidote Market' (Tiryaki Çarşısı) associated with the Süleymaniye complex?

The 'Antidote Market' refers to the market street created by shops fronting the Sani Medrese and Evvel Medrese on their northeast sides. This name originated from the presence of coffee houses and shops where hashish was smoked.

Where is the tomb of the architect Mimar Sinan located in relation to the mosque?

The tomb of Mimar Sinan, the architect of the Süleymaniye Mosque, is located just outside the complex walls, to the north of the main structures. It was completely restored in 1922.

What is the architectural style of the Süleymaniye Mosque?

The mosque is a prime example of Classical Ottoman architecture, a period known for its refined designs and grand scale, heavily influenced by Byzantine traditions but developed into a distinct style.

What specific architectural innovation did Sinan employ in the Süleymaniye Mosque's dome support?

Sinan refined his earlier innovations by using a limited number of load-bearing pillars and buttresses, many of which were dissimulated within the outer walls. This allowed for a more open interior space and a less visually obstructed profile compared to structures like the Hagia Sophia.

What is the significance of the Iznik tiles used in the Süleymaniye Mosque?

The Iznik tiles used in the mosque, particularly around the mihrab and in the mausoleums, are notable for their quality and design. The Süleymaniye was one of the first buildings to feature the bright tomato-red clay underglaze, a characteristic that would become prominent in Iznik ceramics.

How did the Süleymaniye Mosque's design reflect its role in the Ottoman state's ideology?

The mosque and its extensive complex served as a political statement of the sultan's power and piety. Its design, inscriptions, and the integration of educational and charitable institutions reinforced the state's commitment to Islamic law (Sharia), Sunni orthodoxy, and the sultan's legitimacy.

What is the height of the Süleymaniye Mosque's main dome and its diameter?

The main dome of the Süleymaniye Mosque stands at a height of 53 meters (174 feet) and has an inner diameter of 26.5 meters (86.9 feet), which is exactly half its height.

What is the function of the muvakkithane within the mosque complex?

The muvakkithane, or chamber of the timekeeper, was a facility within the mosque complex responsible for calculating and announcing prayer times. Its presence highlights the mosque's role as a center for religious observance and astronomical calculation.

What is the meaning behind the inscriptions found on the mosque's gates?

The inscriptions on the mosque's gates, often quoting verses from the Quran, compare the entrances to the gates of paradise. This symbolism emphasizes the sacredness of the space and the spiritual reward for entering.

How were the minaret balconies decorated?

The balconies of the minarets are supported by consoles carved with muqarnas and feature balustrades pierced with intricate Islamic geometric patterns, showcasing detailed craftsmanship.

What is the significance of the number of balconies on the minarets?

The ten balconies on the four minarets are traditionally interpreted as a reference to Suleiman the Magnificent being the tenth sultan of the Ottoman Empire.

What was the purpose of the imaret within the Süleymaniye complex?

The imaret, or public kitchen, was a charitable institution within the complex that served food to the poor and needy, reflecting the Ottoman tradition of supporting the community through religious endowments.

What is the architectural style of the mausoleums of Suleiman and Hürrem Sultan?

Both mausoleums are octagonal structures. Suleiman's mausoleum is noted for its double-shelled dome, a significant innovation for Sinan, and its design has been compared to the Dome of the Rock. Hürrem Sultan's mausoleum is also octagonal and decorated with Iznik tiles.

What is the historical significance of the Süleymaniye Mosque being located on the Third Hill of Istanbul?

The Third Hill was a prominent location in Istanbul, and placing the mosque there allowed it to command an extensive view of the city and the Golden Horn. This strategic placement enhanced its visibility and symbolic importance as a landmark of imperial power.

S U00fcleymaniye Mosque Wiki: Süleymaniye Mosque: An Ottoman Architectural Masterpiece

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Mosque Overview

Imperial Foundation

The Süleymaniye Mosque, an Ottoman imperial mosque, stands majestically on Istanbul's Third Hill. Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent (reigned 1520–1566), its design was entrusted to the renowned imperial architect Mimar Sinan. Foundation work commenced in 1550, with inauguration in 1557, though complex completion extended beyond.

Strategic Location & Significance

Commanding a panoramic view of Istanbul and the Golden Horn, the mosque is a prominent landmark. It is widely regarded as a pinnacle of Ottoman architecture and a magnum opus of Mimar Sinan, representing the zenith of the Ottoman Empire's architectural achievements.

UNESCO World Heritage

The Süleymaniye Mosque and its surrounding conservation area are integral components of the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Historic Areas of Istanbul." Recognized for its outstanding universal value, it is protected under cultural criteria (i), (ii), (iii), and (iv), signifying its immense historical and architectural importance.

Historical Context & Construction

Imperial Vision

Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent sought to create a mosque that would surpass all previous imperial foundations, reflecting his status as a preeminent Islamic ruler. The mosque's design and scale were intended to symbolize the power and prestige of the Ottoman state during a period of significant territorial expansion and political influence.

Mimar Sinan's Masterpiece

Mimar Sinan, the chief imperial architect, executed Suleiman's vision with unparalleled skill. The mosque's design draws inspiration from the Hagia Sophia, aiming to emulate and perhaps even surpass its grandeur. Sinan masterfully integrated structural innovations and aesthetic principles, creating a harmonious and imposing structure.

Construction & Evolution

Built on the site of the former Imperial Palace (Eski Saray), the mosque's construction involved extensive planning and resource mobilization. Over centuries, it has endured fires and earthquakes, necessitating significant restorations. These interventions, while preserving the structure, have also subtly altered its original decorative elements.

Architectural Design

The Grand Courtyard

The mosque is preceded by a spacious courtyard, measuring approximately 47 by 57 meters. It features a colonnaded peristyle supported by marble, granite, and porphyry columns, topped with intricate Ottoman "stalactite" capitals. A central fountain, designed with a unique ceiling spray, adds to the courtyard's aesthetic appeal.

Soaring Minarets

Four minarets punctuate the corners of the courtyard, a feature reserved for imperial mosques. The two taller minarets, reaching approximately 76 meters, possess three balconies each. The total of ten balconies is symbolic, representing Suleiman the Magnificent as the tenth Ottoman Sultan.

The Prayer Hall

The interior prayer hall forms a vast, near-square space (58.5 x 57.5 meters) dominated by a central dome. Measuring 53 meters in height with a 26.5-meter diameter, the dome's proportions are half its height. Sinan's innovative structural design, incorporating dissimulated buttresses within the walls, maximizes the sense of open space and light.

Refined Decoration

The interior decoration is characterized by restraint, emphasizing calligraphy and structural elements over ostentatious ornamentation. While original painted decorations have been largely lost to time and restoration, the surviving Iznik tiles, particularly around the mihrab, showcase exquisite floral patterns and the distinctive tomato-red hue.

The Süleymaniye Complex

A Self-Contained City

The mosque was conceived as part of a larger *külliye* (religious and charitable complex), encompassing numerous structures designed to serve the community. This included madrasas (religious colleges), a primary school, a hospital, a public kitchen (*imaret*), baths (*hamam*), and commercial spaces.

Educational Institutions

Four distinct madrasas formed the educational core of the complex, offering advanced studies in Islamic sciences. A specialized school for *hadith* studies (*darülhadis*) and a medical school (*darüttıbb*) further highlight the complex's role as a center of learning and knowledge dissemination.

Social Welfare Facilities

The complex provided essential social services, including a public kitchen (*imaret*) that served meals to the needy, and a hospital (*darüşşifa*) offering medical care. These facilities underscore the Ottoman state's commitment to social welfare and religious obligation.

Notable Burials

Royal Tombs

Behind the mosque's *qibla* wall lie the mausoleums (*türbe*) of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife, Hürrem Sultan (Roxelana). Suleiman's mausoleum, one of the largest Ottoman tombs, is noted for its double-shelled dome and intricate Iznik tilework.

Family and Successors

The mausoleum complex also contains the tombs of Suleiman's daughter, Mihrimah Sultan, and later Ottoman Sultans Ahmed II and Suleiman II, along with their consorts and family members, reflecting its continued importance as a dynastic burial site.

References & Further Reading

Scholarly Works

The architectural and historical significance of the Süleymaniye Mosque has been extensively documented in scholarly literature. Key works by historians such as Gülru Necipoğlu, Doğan Kuban, and Godfrey Goodwin provide in-depth analyses of its design, construction, and cultural context.

Necipoğlu, Gülru. The Age of Sinan: Architectural Culture in the Ottoman Empire.
Kuban, Doğan. Ottoman Architecture.
Goodwin, Godfrey. A History of Ottoman Architecture.
Blair, Sheila S., and Bloom, Jonathan M. The Art and Architecture of Islam 1250–1800.
Denny, Walter B. Iznik: The Artistry of Ottoman Ceramics.

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References

Istanbul Tarihi Alanlar Alan BaÅkanlÄ±ÄÄ±. (2018). Istanbul Historic Peninsula Management Plan. http://www.alanbaskanligi.gov.tr/evrak/engtyp.pdf.

NeciÌpoÄlu-Kafadar 1985, p. 96.

NeciÌpoÄlu-Kafadar 1985, pp. 98â99.

NeciÌpoÄlu-Kafadar 1985, pp. 100â104.

NeciÌpoÄlu-Kafadar 1985, pp. 100â103.

NeciÌpoÄlu-Kafadar 1985, pp. 105â106.

NeciÌpoÄlu-Kafadar 1985, p. 110.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Süleymaniye Mosque Wikipedia page

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Disclaimer

Important Notice

This content has been generated by an AI model for educational purposes, drawing upon information from publicly available sources. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy and adherence to the provided source material, it may not encompass all nuances or the most current details.

This is not architectural or historical advice. The information presented is intended for general understanding and should not substitute consultation with qualified architectural historians, preservation experts, or relevant authorities for specific projects or detailed research.

The creators of this page are not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or actions taken based on the information provided.

Süleymaniye Mosque

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Mosque Overview ℹ️

🕌 Imperial Foundation

🌍 Strategic Location & Significance

🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage

Historical Context & Construction 📜

👑 Imperial Vision

🏗️ Mimar Sinan's Masterpiece

⏳ Construction & Evolution

Architectural Design 📐

🏞️ The Grand Courtyard

🗼 Soaring Minarets

🌌 The Prayer Hall

🎨 Refined Decoration

The Süleymaniye Complex 🏘️

🕌 A Self-Contained City

🎓 Educational Institutions

🤝 Social Welfare Facilities

Notable Burials ⚰️

👑 Royal Tombs

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and Successors

References & Further Reading 📚

📖 Scholarly Works

Teacher's Corner 🧑‍🏫

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Mosque Overview

Imperial Foundation

Strategic Location & Significance

UNESCO World Heritage

Historical Context & Construction

Imperial Vision

Mimar Sinan's Masterpiece

Construction & Evolution

Architectural Design

The Grand Courtyard

Soaring Minarets

The Prayer Hall

Refined Decoration

The Süleymaniye Complex

A Self-Contained City

Educational Institutions

Social Welfare Facilities

Notable Burials

Royal Tombs

Family and Successors

References & Further Reading

Scholarly Works

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice