Of the many mosques in Istanbul the Suleymaniye Mosque is probably the most eye catching one. This is not simply due to the sheer size of the mosque, but because of it's magnificent location, historic importance and grandiose design. As one of the most imposing structures in the city, the Suleymaniye Mosque is as hard to miss as it is not to be missed.
Mobile ticketing - No need for printed voucher, we're digital!
Duration - 30 Minutes
Guide - English
Includes
Professional English-speaking tour guide
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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Mondays: NO TOUR
Tuesdays: NO TOUR
Wednesday: NO TOUR
Thurdays to Sundays: 09:00
The approximate duration is 30 minutes
Please meet your guide at the meeting point 10 minutes before the tour start time.
Click for Meeting Point's Picture.
View TimetableThe tour starts infront of Istanbul University's Main gate at Beyazit Square.
To get to Beyazit Square, take the T1 Bağılar - Kabataş tram and get off at Beyazit station.
Get DirectionsSuleymaniye mosque is a public place and you can visit freely out of pray times.
Audio Guide for Suleymaniye Mosque is Included in Istanbul Tourist Pass®️
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. suleymaniye mosque tour, mosque suleymaniye, the süleymaniye mosque, süleymaniye mosque history, suleymaniye mosque location, süleymaniye mosque architecture, mosque suleiman istanbul, suleiman the magnificent mosque, suleymaniye mosque visiting hours.
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 Bazaarto the Suleymaniye Mosque and then walk downhill from the Suleymaniye Mosque to the Spice Market.
By having the Istanbul Tourist Pass®, you can visit more than 85+ attractions in Istanbul. You can save huge amount of time and money by not waiting in the long queues or paying fees at the entrances of the museums or for other facilities and activities. You can buy the Istanbul Tourist Pass®️ for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7 or 10 days. So many attractions are available with Istanbul Tourist Pass®️ such as Topkapı Palace, Hagia Sophia, Dolmabahçe Palace, Sapanca Lake daily tour, Dinner on the Bosphorus, Istanbul Airport Shuttle etc. included in the pass. For more details and updated attractions available with the pass can be found on website.
Yes, although it is an active mosque, it is open for visitors everyday and you can visit the mosque.
Yes, especially if you are into the Ottoman History, you should definitely see Suleymaniye Mosque.
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It's 15 minutes walking from Beyazit tram station or Vezneciler metro stop.