Suleymaniye Mosque can be reached by following the north and east (Fuat Paşa St.) walls of Istanbul University, which was surrounded by the biggest külliye of the Ottoman Era. Süleymaniye is a complex of buildings not only providing worship service but also social and educational services.

 The center of the külliye, which was built by Mimar Sinan in request of Suleiman the Magnificent (1520-1566), is Süleymaniye Mosque. The mosque built in years between 1550 and 1577 is a magnificent example of Classical Ottoman architecture. It’s on the third hill of Istanbul, and an unchanging part of the silhouette of the Golden Horn.

The inner courtyard has a fountain in the center, fully paved with white marble, and has minarets at four corners. Two minarets in the north have two balconies and are 56 meters long, the other two minarets at the end of the portico have three balconies and are 76 meters high.

Worshiping area is built on a rectangular plan at a size of 61 and 70 meters. Giant piers at four corners of the dome carry the weight of the structure.

The dome covering the worshiping area which is 53 meters high and 26.50 meters in diameter is supported by semi domes on the axis.Interior decorations of the dome which was renewed in the 19th century are simpler than other mosques. Stained glass decorating the shrine wall is the original work of a craftsman named Drunk Ibrahim.

In the tomb next to the shrine of Süleymaniye Mosque, there are mausoleum of Suleiman the Great and his wife Roxelane (Hurrem Sultan), who built the külliye, and some tombs of leading people.

Mausoleum of Mimar Sinan, head architect of the palace, is in the northwest corner of the outer courtyard. Mimar Sinan (also Koca Sinan)created the Classical Turkish style after becoming head architect of the palace. He was a great person with a unique ability that lived almost a century creating plenty of works.