On the second Hill of Istanbul is located Suleymaniye Mosque. This magnificent edifice is the second largest mosque in Istanbul and is a true art of the famous architect Mimar Sinan. Suleymaniye was built in 1557 and has a large endowment of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Its construction lasted for eight years.
What distinguished the Suleymaniye symmetry and rational refraction of light. The central dome of the mosque is high even 47 meters. This is the largest mosque in height by Sinan made in his life. The interior is very elegant, while its bodywork is really fascinating. However, weather and natural disasters have affected this magnificent building. In 1660 the mosque caught fire that violated its original beauty and perfection. Suleymaniye was rebuilt during the reign of Sultan Mehmet IV, and for its reconstruction at the time was in charge architect Fossati. Thanks to that, the damage was repaired, but this mosque never regained its original beauty. During the restoration the style at the time was Baroque and it has greatly changed her appearance. Due to the earthquake in 1766 part of the dome collapsed, and the mosque again suffered significant damage.
During World War I the Mosque was confronted with destruction and damage. It has long been used as a warehouse for arms and ammunition, which led to additional damage and explosion. Only in 1956 the mosque was again fully restored and opened to visitors. Its complex includes Medrese, library, public kitchen, and several tombs, including the tomb of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife, Sultana Hurrem, and her slave called Roxelana who was originally from Ukraine.
Istanbul visitors can enjoy many really nice mosques that are a reflection of Turkey's wealth and extraordinary style. One can see a reflection of Turkey during the visit to the Beyazit Mosque. You can enjoy if you take a short walk to the Fatih Mosque or go to the Kalenderhane Mosque, a place where once Dervishes lived.