Suleymaniye Mosque
Suleymaniye Mosque
4.5
About
Famed architect Sinan built this majestic structure for one of the greatest rulers of the Ottoman Empire. Although this mosque is less ornate, there are many similarities between it and the Hagia Sophia since the same architect was responsible for both.
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Grand Bazaar
Tourists, hawkers, and locals come together at the Grand Bazaar to comb its labyrinthine passageways in search of a bargain – be it a pair of brand name jeans, a handcrafted silk rug, or a perfectly brewed cup of tea. Outside the vast bazaar, worn, narrow streets wind their way down from its lofty perch to the southern shore of the Golden Horn, where the evocatively aromatic Spice Bazaar beckons alongside the elegant New Mosque (opened in 1665). Nearby, the famed Galata Bridge offers pedestrian access to urban delights across the river in Istanbul’s more residential and contemporary neighborhoods, while the must-see sights of Sultanahmet are but a leisurely stroll away.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
12,598 reviews
Excellent
9,723
Very good
2,442
Average
380
Poor
43
Terrible
10
aexplore
10 contributions
Dec 2022
Visiting the Suleymaniye Mosque was a truly awe-inspiring experience. The stunning architecture and intricate details of the mosque are truly remarkable. The peaceful atmosphere and beautiful views of the city from the mosque's hilltop location make it a must-see attraction in Istanbul. The historical significance of the mosque adds to its appeal, and I highly recommend a visit to anyone interested in history or architecture.
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tal_Hameed
Toronto, Canada446 contributions
Sep 2022
The Suleymaniye Mosque is one of my favourite places in the world, next to the Aya Sofia. It's truly serene and historical and fits over 60,000 worshippers at once. From both the outside and standing inside of it several times, I was truly in awe. During my 2 and a half week trip to Turkey, I went here at least 6 times. I not only went as a tourist but also prayed in here several times. The architecture is beautiful and it's amazing place to pray. I'd like to go back in the near future just to experience it all over again.
Written February 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
eljp
London, UK31 contributions
Aug 2019
This mosque was absolutely stunning. The architecture is beautiful and there are smaller prayer rooms which are equally as beautiful on the same site. It is also much more peaceful than the Blue Mosque which is totally crowded and took away the serenity of a religious building, so I recommend visiting Suleymaniye to get away from the crowds. I really appreciate that people of all religions can experience the beauty of this mosque. Make sure you cover your hair and wear appropriate clothing to enter the mosque, and remain respectful during your visit.
Written July 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sal
New Delhi, India15 contributions
Jun 2022 • Solo
Unless you are going there for prayer or as a history nerd, there is no point visiting this mosque in the status it is now. Everything except a few slivers of the roof is covered by a white tarp which is part of the restoration efforts. While restoration is great, I cannot recommend any tourist to visit this place because they will see literally nothing inside. You’d be better off spending time going to another mosque in Istanbul or the Hagia Sofia. For these reasons, while the restoration is going on, I cannot recommend this place.
Written June 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bea
Sao Paulo, SP73 contributions
Mar 2023
Me and my friend we had the pleasure to visit this Mosque during pray time and we can say that it was such a memorable experience.
This Mosque is divided into 2 parts, one for prayers and another one for visitors. Like the other mosques in the city, in order to enter you need to remove shoes, be dressed properly and women need to cover the hair.
It is a nice option to get away of the crowd in Hagia Sofia Mosque.
This Mosque is divided into 2 parts, one for prayers and another one for visitors. Like the other mosques in the city, in order to enter you need to remove shoes, be dressed properly and women need to cover the hair.
It is a nice option to get away of the crowd in Hagia Sofia Mosque.
Written March 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Cleveland T
16 contributions
Jun 2022
If you have small kids or with anyone elderly/disabilities then I do not recommend walking up to the masjid via emininou. The walk is considerably difficult with up hill steep roads, stairs and cobbled streets. (if a taxi can take you up there via the road then do this option instead).
Once you are the top of masjid grounds, you have garden areas (mainly grass) at the side/back of the mosque with good toiler facilities available for men and women (free of charge).
There is a cemetry that you can visit attached to the mosque and the inside had a similar style to the blue mosque.
The best views are the front entrance with views to the Bosphorus but the outside top wall does not have railings so do be careful especially if you have kids to not lean over too much from the triangular top wall as there is a considerable drop to the street below.
It was one of the best masjids I visited and as its located at the top of a hill the cool breeze is nice during the hot afternoons. There also seems to be a university nearby and you had students working on their laptops on the grass.
Once you are the top of masjid grounds, you have garden areas (mainly grass) at the side/back of the mosque with good toiler facilities available for men and women (free of charge).
There is a cemetry that you can visit attached to the mosque and the inside had a similar style to the blue mosque.
The best views are the front entrance with views to the Bosphorus but the outside top wall does not have railings so do be careful especially if you have kids to not lean over too much from the triangular top wall as there is a considerable drop to the street below.
It was one of the best masjids I visited and as its located at the top of a hill the cool breeze is nice during the hot afternoons. There also seems to be a university nearby and you had students working on their laptops on the grass.
Written June 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Avonlea R
Utah49 contributions
Nov 2021
I don't know much about the muslim religion, but I can say it was a special experience to visit this mosque and witness the architecture! This building is so pristine and beautiful, it's hard to believe how old it is (dating back to the 16th century.) We visited on a Saturday morning and there were a few tour groups but it was not too crowded. There is a pretty nice view of the city from this hillside as well!
Written November 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AleLaura
Mantua, Italy120 contributions
Dec 2022
It's not as triumphant as Santa Sofia, but for sure deserves a visit. The only problem are the people that pretend to give you a free booklet in your language, but soon after beg you to change their Euro coins in banknotes. If you agree, others come as flyes around honey...
Written January 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miss Daniels
London, UK885 contributions
Jan 2020
I came across this mosque at about 4PM and it was very quiet it was stunning. The outside is very beautiful to sit on the wall and admire the city of Istanbul. I would actually recommend you take a coffee and chill for an hour before visiting inside the mosque the surroundings are so inviting.
We did not spend long inside as it was soon closing so we spent about 15 minutes inside. Its a stunning mosque, and I was mesmerised by the inside. There are toilets located close by, the surrounding area is very large so take the opportunity to walk along the grounds.
This has to be one of my favourite though we went near closing hence why maybe it was so peaceful.
We did not spend long inside as it was soon closing so we spent about 15 minutes inside. Its a stunning mosque, and I was mesmerised by the inside. There are toilets located close by, the surrounding area is very large so take the opportunity to walk along the grounds.
This has to be one of my favourite though we went near closing hence why maybe it was so peaceful.
Written February 29, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frank D
Slidell, LA1,312 contributions
Jul 2022
This is a World Heritage Site. The truly staggering size of the Suleymaniye Mosque is one of its most distinctive features. The central dome stands 154 feet high crowning the elegantly decorated interior. The interior is highlighted in the supporting semi-domes to the northwest and southeast and the monumental arched spaces to the southwest and northeast.
It took eight years to build and was completed in 1557, a tribute to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. The mosque is a fitting tribute to Suleyman, who was the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire and is regarded by some as a “Second Solomon” because of the harmony and justice under his rule.
Adjacent to the mosque are the tombs of Hurrem Sultan and Suleyman the Magnificent - don't miss them.
And, about 1/4 mile away is historic Kalenderhane Camii an Eastern Orthodox church.
It took eight years to build and was completed in 1557, a tribute to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. The mosque is a fitting tribute to Suleyman, who was the longest-reigning sultan of the Ottoman Empire and is regarded by some as a “Second Solomon” because of the harmony and justice under his rule.
Adjacent to the mosque are the tombs of Hurrem Sultan and Suleyman the Magnificent - don't miss them.
And, about 1/4 mile away is historic Kalenderhane Camii an Eastern Orthodox church.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ما الاماكن القريبه من مسجد سليمان القانونى ويمكن زيارتها فى نفس اليوم
أبو العزّ
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia141 contributions
عدد من المطاعم الشعبية، وكذلك المقاهي.. بعضها له إطلالة جميلة.
ولا يبعد عنه كثيرا البازار الكبير، وكذلك مطعم نصرت.
Giota I
10 contributions
Γνωρίζει κανείς αν το Σουλεϊμανιγιέ είναι επισκέψιμο τις Παρασκευές;
AthanasiaGreece
Athens, Greece4,391 contributions
Την Παρασκευή κλείνει φυσικά για τους τουρίστες την ώρα της μεγάλης προσευχής (10:30-13:45) άρα θα πρέπει να το επισκεφθείτε ή πρωί (από τις 9) ή μετά τις 13:45 (κλείνει όμως νωρίς το απόγευμα).
What are the visiting hours.?
Muna65
Dakar, Senegal28 contributions
I Think it's between 9 to 6 pm, but salat time. You need to take off your shoes into it. And Friday it's just 4 hours opening but not sure.
David C
2 contributions
hola, quiero ir con mi novia a estambul este año y estamos haciendo presupuestos, alguno sabe cuanto vale la entrada por persona a esta mezquita y si tienen alguna otra recomendacion para visitar se les agradece.
Pedrovaldes
Morelia, Mexico685 contributions
Cuesta muy barato serán unas 70 liras turcas , si eres Mexicano te puedo recomendar el tour que compré a Turquía esta regalado $1400 dólares con avión , hospedaje , desayunos cenas , entradas , guía , transportes a varias ciudades recorriendo 2500 km. 10 días . Y todo de lujo , el contacto de la agencia de viajes es Cristián Orozco tel 7551152677 te saldrá mucho más barato que si vas por tu cuenta .
GregoryBHere
Palm Springs, California173 contributions
After a number of internet searches, I am looking for more specific information regarding renovations to Istanbul’s Blue Mosque. I plan to visit in late April 2019 (just before May's Ramazan). I have read that the completion of renovations will be 2020. I assume this massive renovation project will take place in increments. Exterior, Interior, Underground, etc. Does anyone know if the interior scaffolding will remain to at least the end of April, or is this just wishful thinking on my part? Is there a more detailed anticipated schedule available to the public? This may turn out to be a once in a lifetime visit to Istanbul and I'd be a bit disappointed if the one time in my life I picked to visit the infamous mosque... it would be obscured.
Departure811861
Germany861 contributions
Hello Gregory,
The Blue Mosque is not Süleymaniye Mosque. The latter was renovated some years ago.
Are you sure you mean the Blue Mosque? It is Sultanahmet Mosque.
Hola! Alguien sabe a q hora la abren? Gracias
mtahta
Jerez De La Frontera, Spain53 contributions
Desconozco los horarios de apertura. pero lo que si es cierto estabamos a las 11h y estaba abierta la mezquita. y antes estabamos en el mausoleo a las 10 de la mañana estabab abierto. los mausoleos estaban abiertos a las 8:30 de la mañana. y la mezquita azul las he visto temprano por la mañana y por la tarde y noche.
buongiorno b
Baku, Azerbaijan1 contribution
What is working hours ?
Vanina D
7 contributions
Usually every day from 8.30 AM. It is advisable to go very early in the morning. Avoid Fridays, it's prayer day and mosques are closed to turist untill 2.30 pm.
buongiorno b
Baku, Azerbaijan1 contribution
What is working hours ?
Mohammad
Tehran, Iran359 contributions
Hi
You can go there about 8 a.m until 9 p.m
It is really awesome. You can not enter the mosque 🕌 in pray time, they have 5 times in a day that every time need to 15 minuets at last and if you arrive in these times you can see the garden that exist in front of it or take pictures in viwe point. On fridays you can not enter the mosques because they have Congregational Prayer until afternoon. Have a great time.
Suleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul
Frequently Asked Questions about Suleymaniye Mosque
- We recommend booking Suleymaniye Mosque tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 93 Suleymaniye Mosque tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Suleymaniye Mosque:
- (0.15 mi) Hayriye Hanim Konagi Hotel
- (0.09 mi) Burckin Suleymaniye
- (0.05 mi) Stone Art Hotel
- (0.14 mi) Golden Horn Guesthouse
- (0.15 mi) Cafe Halic Hotel
- Restaurants near Suleymaniye Mosque:
- (0.08 mi) Erzincanli Ali Baba
- (0.10 mi) Ali Baba Kanaat Lokantasi
- (0.10 mi) Aga Kapisi
- (0.09 mi) Mimar Sinan Teras Cafe
- (0.07 mi) Mihrisah Cafe
- Attractions near Suleymaniye Mosque:
- (0.03 mi) Tomb of Hurrem Sultan
- (0.10 mi) Suleymaniye Cultural Info Center
- (0.14 mi) Historical Suleymaniye Hamam ® - Since 1550
- (0.14 mi) Vefa Kilise Camii
- (0.34 mi) Foods of Istanbul Tours
Suleymaniye Mosque Information
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