The largest imperial complexes date from the 16th and 17th centuries. Yet, mosques built in the 18th and 19th centuries remain equally significant. In the 15th century, shortly after conquering Constantinople, Fatih Sultan Mehmed built two major mosques. Unfortunately, both original structures were later destroyed by earthquakes or fires and had to be rebuilt.
OTTOMAN IMPERIAL MOSQUES
These mosques were commissioned by Ottoman sultans or members of the royal family. They were typically built as külliye, complexes centred around a mosque and surrounded by madrasas, kitchens and other charitable institutions.
The great imperial architect Mimar Sinan, who served for 50 years, designed many of Istanbul’s most enduring külliye, setting the standard for later architects.
Imperial mosques are not limited to Istanbul. Significant examples can be found in Bursa, the first Ottoman capital, as well as in Edirne, Konya, Amasya, Manisa and even Damascus.
SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent commissioned the Suleymaniye Mosque, carefully selecting its commanding location. To build it, however, he ordered the demolition of the Eski Palace.
In hindsight, it is a pity, as Istanbul would today boast an additional imperial residence. The Eski Palace had been the residence of Ottoman royal women.
From the mosque, sweeping views over the Golden Horn are simply breath-taking.
Mimar Sinan designed and completed the mosque in 1557. By then, he had already built several mosques for members of the Ottoman dynasty. His architectural brilliance earned him the honour of creating what would become one of the city’s greatest religious monuments.
More than a mosque, the Suleymaniye asserts Suleiman’s place as one of the greatest sultans in Ottoman history. His reign marked the empire’s zenith in power, culture and influence.
The Suleymaniye Mosque was conceived as a vast complex, intended to serve not only religious, but also cultural and social purposes for the local community.
The complex included a hospital, primary school, public bath, caravanserai, four madrasas, a hadith school, a medical college and a public kitchen that distributed food to the poor.
When I visited Istanbul in July 2025, almost all structures surrounding the mosque were still under restoration. Hopefully, by my next visit, they will be reopened, allowing visitors to appreciate them in their restored glory. In previous years, most of these buildings were inaccessible, occupied by institutions or business, with the exception of the restaurant.
SULEYMANIYE HAMMAM
In the photo below is still functioning Suleymaniye Hammam, also built by Mimar Sinan in 1557.
SALIS MADRASA
The photo below shows one of the four madrasas surrounding the mosque – the Salis Madrasa, now home to the Alliance of Civilisation Institute (MEDIT), which aspires to be a leading research centre in the field of Civilisation Studies.
MIMAR SINAN MAUSOLEUM
Nearby is the mausoleum of the legendary architect Mimar Sinan himself. Sadly, during my visit, restoration work prevented me from entering the tomb.
Sinan died in 1588 and rests here in a small mausoleum that he designed for himself.
SULTAN SULEIMAN I, SULTAN SULEIMAN II & SULTAN AHMED II
Behind the mosque stands another mausoleum housing the coffins of three Ottoman sultans. It is unclear whether any particular rule dictated their burial together. Here lie Suleiman the Magnificent, Suleiman II and Ahmed II.
Suleiman the Magnificent reigned for 46 years, until his death in 1566. He presided over the empire’s political, military and cultural golden age. He conquered Belgrade, Rhodes and much of Hungary.
Sultan Suleiman II ruled for only four years, from 1687 to 1691. Born after the abolition of fratricide, he spent 36 years confined to the kafe (cage) in Topkapi Palace, before ascending the throne.
The contrast between decades of confinement and suddenly ruling one of the world’s migtiest empires is staggering.
His fater was Sultan Ibrahim and his mother Saliha Dilaşub Sultan.
Like his predecessor, Sultan Ahmed II endured long confinement in the cage, 43 years, before taking the throne in 1691. He ruled until 1695.
He too was a son of Sultan Ibrahim, while his mother was Hatice Muazzez Sultan.
Those interested in these figures can easily fnd further details online but, I believe, this is sufficient context for a visit. Knowing a little about their lives adds meaning when standing before their tombs.
HÜRREM SULTAN
Another imperial mausuleum behind the mosque belongs to Hürrem Sultan, who died in 1558.
Interestingly, she was not buried next to Suleiman the Magnificent, unlike some other powerful women of the Sultanate of Women era. Likely, this is because she died before him and had a separate imperial tomb constructed for herself.
WHY VISIT SULEYMANIYE MOSQUE
The Suleymaniye Mosque leaves no one indifferent, perhaps exactly what Suleiman intended. Only after seeing it does one truly grasp his historical stature as ruler of a vast empire at its height.
Architecturally breathtaking and richly decorated, it also testifies to the genius of Mimar Sinan, one of the greatest architects of the Ottoman world.
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