Süleymaniye Mosque
Step into the architectural grandeur of the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul. Explore its majesty with our 30-minute guided tour. Enjoy free cancellation, mobile tickets, instant confirmation, and expert insights for an enlightening experience.
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Visitor's guide
Must-see highlights & key info
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Step back into ancient Turkish history with a guided /walking tour of 3 mosques: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Süleymaniye Mosque.
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Hagia Sophia: Marvel at its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman artistry that blend Christian and Islamic heritage.
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Blue Mosque: Admire the mosque’s six slender minarets, cascading domes, and striking blue Iznik tiles that give it its iconic name.
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Suleymaniye Mosque: Discover 16th-century Ottoman architecture, a soaring central dome, four minarets, and Iznik tilework.
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Opt for a private tour with an English-speaking guide and enjoy skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia for a seamless experience.
More details
-
Step back into ancient Turkish history with a guided /walking tour of 3 mosques: Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, and Süleymaniye Mosque.
-
Hagia Sophia: Marvel at its massive dome, intricate mosaics, and centuries of Byzantine and Ottoman artistry that blend Christian and Islamic heritage.
-
Blue Mosque: Admire the mosque’s six slender minarets, cascading domes, and striking blue Iznik tiles that give it its iconic name.
-
Suleymaniye Mosque: Discover 16th-century Ottoman architecture, a soaring central dome, four minarets, and Iznik tilework.
-
Opt for a private tour with an English-speaking guide and enjoy skip-the-line entry to Hagia Sophia for a seamless experience.
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About Süleymaniye Mosque
High above the Golden Horn, the Süleymaniye Mosque stands as a defining monument of the Ottoman Golden Age. Commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and brought to life by master architect Mimar Sinan, this 16th-century masterpiece crowns one of Istanbul’s seven hills. Marvel at the vast central dome that seems to float on light, wander through sunlit marble courtyards, and pause beside the ornate tombs of Süleyman and Hürrem Sultan.
The mosque’s main dome is 53 meters high and exactly twice its width, creating perfect symmetry, a hallmark of Sinan’s architectural genius.
Sinan embedded 49 resonating jars in the dome to enhance acoustics, allowing the imam’s voice to carry clearly throughout the vast prayer hall.
Ostrich eggs were historically placed in the chandeliers to repel spiders and insects, an ingenious form of Ottoman pest control.
Suleymaniye’s külliye complex included a hospital, library, hamam, and soup kitchen, reflecting its role as a center for both faith and community welfare.
The mosque’s courtyard offers one of Istanbul’s best panoramic viewpoints, with clear sights of landmarks like the Galata Tower and the Bosphorus.
Why visit Süleymaniye Mosque?
Plan your visit
Central (Western) Gate
Located along Professor Siddik Sami Onar Street, this is the main entrance to the mosque’s inner courtyard and aligns directly with the grand façade facing the city. It’s the most accessible gate, featuring a wide, gently sloped approach suitable for all visitors, and is easy to find if you’re walking uphill from the Grand Bazaar or Vezneciler tram stop.
Northern Gate
Opening toward the Golden Horn side, this entrance offers a scenic approach through narrow, cobbled lanes descending from the Tahtakale and Eminönü districts. The route includes some steep paths, so accessibility is moderate, but it rewards visitors with beautiful skyline views as you enter the courtyard.
Southern Gate
Facing the tomb gardens and residential quarter of Süleymaniye, this quieter portal provides direct access to the mausoleums of Sultan Süleyman and Hürrem Sultan. The path is partially stepped and cobbled, so less ideal for wheelchairs, but it’s easy to locate by following signs from the Süleymaniye Library or the back gardens.
- The mosque is closed to tourists during the five daily Muslim prayer times (each closure lasts about 30 minutes), and for a longer period on Fridays from around 12pm to 1:30pm for congregational prayers.
- Last admission is typically 15 to 30 minutes before closing time.
The mosque itself serves as a prayer room for worshippers. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times.
Restrooms are available near the courtyard. A small fee may be required for maintenance.
A volunteer-run information desk is located in the courtyard, offering free brochures and friendly guidance about the mosque and Islamic culture.
The mosque's courtyard and main prayer hall are wheelchair accessible via ramps. However, the surrounding streets are steep and may be challenging for wheelchair users.
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