Suleymaniye Mosque

Dominating the skyline of the Sultanahmet area at the entrance of the Golden Horn, Suleymaniye Mosque was built on top a small hill on the order of Sultan Suleyman and completed in 1558. It was built by the famous architect Mimar Sinan, and later served as a reference for the construction of the Blue Mosque, and even of the Taj Mahal in Agra. Built at an elevated position as compared to the surrounding buildings, the mosque stands out and can be seen from a distance, making it a well-known landmark. A mere glance at this massive edifice with glorious design, and it remains deeply entrenched in one’s memory.
Suleymaniye Mosque was originally a big complex including a caravanserai, a Koranic School and a hammam, among others. It's considered to be the biggest mosque in Istanbul with a majestic colonnade topped with 28 domes and with a minaret in each corner. The interior might not be as inspiring as that of Sultan Ahmed Mosque, but it still impresses for its size and architectural details. Features of Byzantine architecture were borrowed from the close by Hagia Sophia, with the abundance of perforated walls allowing natural light to enter and semi-domes used as buttresses.

Once you are done with your visit and go back to the ferry landing for a view of the Galata Tower, do have a look at the locals fishing and then grilling and serving their prey to visitors.