About Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul
Suleiman the Magnificent commissioned this mosque from his chief architect Mimar Sinan, and it crowns the third hill of old Istanbul above the Golden Horn. Sinan answered the challenge of Hagia Sophia with a vast dome on four great piers, a calm interior lit by over 200 windows, and acoustics so fine that a whisper carries. Four minarets with ten balconies honor Suleiman as the tenth sultan.
Around the mosque stood a complete külliye: schools, a hospital, a soup kitchen, baths and a caravanserai. In the garden behind lie the tombs of Suleiman and his wife Hürrem, and Sinan himself rests in a modest tomb just outside the walls. The mosque is less crowded than those of Sultanahmet.
What to see
- Central dome and prayer hall
- Tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent
- Tomb of Hürrem Sultan
- Terrace views over the Golden Horn
- Tomb of Mimar Sinan
Visiting Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul: practical guide
- Best time
- April to June and September to November
- Hours
- Open daily outside the five prayer times, roughly 9:00 to 18:00
- Entry
- Free
- Dress code
- Women cover hair, arms and legs; men wear long trousers; shoes off
- Nearest airport
- Istanbul Airport (IST), 40 km
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Avoid Friday midday prayers
- Scarves are lent at the entrance
- Eat beans and rice on the nearby Süleymaniye street
Festivals and special days
- Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr
- Eid al-Adha
- Mawlid
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Islam tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Dress modestly, covering arms and legs; women usually cover their hair in mosques.
- Remove shoes before entering the prayer hall.
- Avoid visiting during prayer times unless invited, and never walk in front of someone praying.
- Be discreet about eating, drinking and smoking in public during Ramadan days.
- Use your right hand for eating and giving or receiving items.
- Some mosques and the holy cities of Mecca and Medina are closed to non-Muslims.
Location map
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Frequently asked questions
Where is Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul?
Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul is in Istanbul, Istanbul Province, Turkey, Europe. GPS coordinates: 41.0162, 28.9640. The nearest airport is Istanbul Airport (IST), 40 km.
What is the best time to visit Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul?
April to June and September to November
Is there an entry fee for Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul?
Free Opening hours: Open daily outside the five prayer times, roughly 9:00 to 18:00
What should I wear when visiting Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul?
Women cover hair, arms and legs; men wear long trousers; shoes off
Which religion is Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul sacred to?
Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul is sacred to Islam. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
