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About This Activity
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Available EverydayOpen daily, can be accessed everyday
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Explore at Your Own PaceWalk around freely with exclusive audio guides
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No Reservation NeededBook ticket in advance to guarantee admission
Highlights
- Audio guide in English, offering detailed insights into the mosque's history and architecture
- Discover the Suleymaniye Mosque, a masterpiece built by Mimar Sinan between 1550 and 1557
- Enjoy panoramic views from the mosque, situated atop one of Istanbul's seven hills
- Visit the historical Daruzziyaye cafe, once a soup kitchen in the mosque's original complex
- Explore the tombs of Suleyman the Magnificent and Hurrem Sultan within the mosque grounds
- Learn about the significance of the mosque's four minarets, symbolizing Suleyman I's reign
Includes
- Professional English-speaking tour audio guide
History of the Suleymaniye Mosque
The Suleymaniye Mosque is located atop one of the seven hills that Istanbul was built on. As such not only is it a very important landmark of the city, its also one of the landmarks that offer its visitors the best views possible. To speak of when the Suleymaniye Mosque was built; it was built between 1550-1557 by the most famous imperial architect of the Ottoman Empire, Mimar Sinan, on the orders of Suleyman I, otherwise known as Suleyman the Magnificent. But the Suleymaniye Mosque wasn't just built as a place of worship. The Suleymaniye Mosque is a massive complex that once housed a soup kitchen, a library, a madrasa, a preparatory school, a garden where one could take leisurely strolls and more. While the mosque is still used for worship, many parts have been closed and are used for touristic purposes. For instance, what was once a soup kitchen is now a sweet little cafe called the Daruzziyaye, where you can enjoy a cup of tea.
The Suleymaniye Mosque bears great historic value for many reasons. First, because it was built by the most talented Ottoman architect to have ever lived. Second reason is because there are certain very important figures' graveyards. Who is buried in the Suleymaniye Mosque, you ask? Well, the tombs of Suleyman the Magnificent and his wife Hurrem Sultan (formerly known as Roxelana) are located on the grounds of the mosque. The mosque was built to be a testament of Suleyman I's accomplishments during the right. For instance, the four minarets of the mosque serve to signify the fact that Suleyman I was the fourth sultan to rule over the Ottoman Empire, once he became an empire.
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Times & Duration
Open Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:30 PM)
The mosque is open for prayers during the five daily Islamic prayer times. Visitors must be mindful of the prayer schedule and avoid visiting during these times, especially during Friday prayers.
Where You'll Be
How to Get There?
Getting to the Suleymaniye Mosque Walking Tour with Audio Guide is convenient and accessible from various parts of Istanbul. Here’s a guide to help you reach this iconic landmark:
The Suleymaniye Mosque is located in the heart of Istanbul, on the Third Hill, near the Grand Bazaar.
Tram: Take the T1 tram line and get off at the "Süleymaniye" stop, which is a short walk to the mosque.
Bus: Several buses pass through the area, including routes 30D, 34C, and 36CE. Get off at "Süleymaniye Camii" bus stop.
By Walking: From the Grand Bazaar, it’s about a 10-minute walk uphill to the mosque.
All About Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque in Recent History
The Suleymaniye Mosque has had to go through heavy restoration in the past. The first Suleymaniye Mosque restoration took place in the 17th Century when the mosque was ravaged by a fire in 1660. Once the fire was put out, architect Fossatti was commissioned to undertake the restoration. Unfortunately, Fossatti changed the interior style of the mosque quite a bit, adopting a more baroque style instead. What the mosque truly looked like before then, we'll unfortunately never know. The Suleymaniye Mosque's courtyard was used as a weapon depot during World War I. Naturally, another fire broke out during this time and greatly damaged the mosque. The mosque was unfortunately restored a second time in 1956. hours.
Visiting Tips
The Suleymaniye Mosque is open to visitors every day of the week. The Suleymaniye Mosque visiting hours are from 9 am to 6 pm, except for during prayer times. The Suleymaniye Mosque tickets are free as well, but donations are encouraged. Given the mosque's strategic location, the Suleymaniye doesn't just have an incredible view. It's also great to visit other must-visit locations such as the Blue Mosque, Grand Bazaar, and Spice Bazaar. Considering how imposing both the Suleymaniye Mosque and Blue Mosque are, there is an ongoing battle between the two. Which is more captivating?
That you will have to find out for yourself. Once you visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, you can quickly head over to the Blue Mosque as well. Be warned though, you have a steep walk up the hill if you choose to head to the Suleymaniye Mosque after visiting the Spice Market. Considering this, you might want to start out your day at the Grand Bazaar, take a walk from the Grand Bazaar to the Suleymaniye Mosque and then walk downhill from the Suleymaniye Mosque to the Spice Market.
Know Before You Go
- Suleymaniye Mosque is a public place, and you can visit freely outside of prayer times.
- The mosque is closed to visitors during the prayer times, but you can visit before or after. It is also closed for maintenance or special religious events, so it's recommended to check ahead before your visit.
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