10 Works of Mimar Sinan in İstanbul That Left Their Mark
In the 16th century, Mimar Sinan assumed the role of chief architect in İstanbul, and he has built many structures ranging from mosques to bridges, from madrasahs to baths.
Mimar Sinan is perhaps the most important Turkish architect who added value to İstanbul with his works that are considered the pinnacle of Ottoman architecture.
Mimar Sinan, who came to İstanbul as a devshirme in 1511 during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim, is the most prominent name of Ottoman architecture with his works.
Here are 10 of Mimar Sinan’s works in İstanbul…
Süleymaniye Mosque
The Süleymaniye Mosque, which Mimar Sinan called “my apprenticeship work,” was built between 1551 and 1558 in the name of Suleiman the Magnificent. Built with Mimar Sinan’s magnificent understanding of symmetry and balance, the mosque dominates the skyline of İstanbul. It forms a huge social complex with structures such as a madrasah, library and bathhouse.
Rüstem Pasha Mosque
Located in Eminönü, Rüstem Pasha Mosque was built in the name of Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha. Drawing attention especially with the eye-catching details of Iznik tiles, Rüstem Pasha Mosque reflects Mimar Sinan's elegant and functional design approach.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Edirnekapı)
Built for Mihrimah Sultan in Edirnekapı, this mosque displays Mimar Sinan's artistic talent with its light effects and spacious interior. The height of the dome and the window arrangement are architectural marvels.
Şehzade Mosque
Şehzade Mosque, which Mimar Sinan described as his “apprenticeship work”, was built in the name of Şehzade Mehmet, the son of Suleiman the Magnificent. It draws attention with its symmetrical design and elegant ornaments.
Haseki Complex
Built for Hürrem Sultan, the wife of Suleiman the Magnificent, this complex is one of Sinan's early works. The complex includes structures such as a mosque, a madrasah, a hospital and a soup kitchen.
Sokullu Mehmet Pasha Mosque
These mosques located in Azapkapı and Kadırga were built in the name of Grand Vizier Sokullu Mehmet Pasha. The mosque in Kadırga is especially famous for the sacred stone pieces brought from the Kaaba.
Atik Valide Complex
Located in Üsküdar, the Atik Valide Complex was built in the name of Nurbanu Sultan, the mother of Sultan Murad III. It consists of units such as a mosque, a madrasah, a hospital, and a library. It is one of the works made by Sinan during his mastery period.
Sinan Pasha Mosque
Located in Beşiktaş, the Sinan Pasha Mosque was built in the name of Grand Vizier Sinan Pasha. It stands out with its simple and functional design and reflects Mimar Sinan's different architectural approach.
Kara Ahmed Pasha Mosque
Located in Topkapı, this mosque is a simple and impressive example of classical Ottoman architecture. Mimar Sinan’s sense of elegance is evident here as well.
Çemberlitaş Hamam
Çemberlitaş Hamam, an example of Mimar Sinan’s achievements in civil architecture, reflects the elegant details of classical Ottoman bath architecture. The structure, which is still in use, is one of İstanbul’s important tourist attractions.