Süleymaniye Mosque

Timeline

1. 1550–1551Third Hill of Istanbul · IstanbulSüleyman I ordered Sinan to choose a site on a hill overlooking the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus; after demolishing part of the old palace buildings the foundation was laid, establishing the mosque–courtyard–charitable annexes composite layout.
2. 1552–1555Süleymaniye Mosque construction site · IstanbulThe central great dome, four flanking semi-domes and pendentive transition structures were built up in successive layers, with a stone drum and brick-and-stone shell combining to form the standard geometric order and play of light of the Ottoman classical prayer space.
3. 1556–1557Süleymaniye Mosque · IstanbulIn 1557 the mosque was completed and opened for prayer; the attached medical school, soup kitchen, library and mausoleum complex were incorporated into the waqf system, becoming a landmark complex of imperial religious charity and ceremonial life.