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Istanbul might have transformed into a
metropolitan city, showing every sign of modernization with flourishing trade,
commerce and finance. Yet it still reflects the grandeur and majesty of the
Ottoman Empire with beautiful mosques speckled all over it, which looks like an
Emperor’s crown studded with precious gems and pearls.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque/Blue Mosque
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Built (between 1609-1616) during the
reign of Sultan Ahmed I, and architected by Sedefhar Mehmet Aga, this is the most iconic monument of Istanbul,
you would have surely seen it in many famous movies like the Sky fall, Taken 2
and Argo. It is arguably the most beautiful
Mosque of the world. The scintillating exteriors of the Mosque are marked by a
series of grandeur domes and elegant minarets. The interiors are adorned by
Blue Iznik tiles from which the mosque derives its popular name; “The Blue
Mosque”.
Sulemaniya Mosque
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The Sulemaniya Mosque sits dramatically
on hill-top and watches over the Golden horn. It is undoubtedly the greatest
achievements of the Ottoman Empire. The best part is that many of the Kulliye
of the Mosque i.e. most complexes have been preserved well and are still in
use. The mosque was built between 1550 and 1557 by “ Suleman The Magnificent”.
The landscaping of Mimar Sinam is phenomenal
with 10 balconies, vast courtyards and slender minarets. The interior of the
building is ornamented with Iznik tiles, muqarnas and mother of pearl.
Atik Valide Mosque
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Built in 1583, it is one of the two
glorious Istanbul Mosque edifices planned by Mimar Sinan. Although it does not
matches the grandeur of Sulemaniya in certain regards. But it was architected
on the same intent and in the same theme. . Its far reaching kulliye
incorporates a now abandoned hamam on Dr Fahri Atabey Caddesi and, within the
Mosque's compound, an Imaret (soup kitchen), Madarsa (Islamic school of higher
studies), Darus Sifa (doctor's facility).
The Mosque stands tall on Uskudar’s
highest hill. It was built for Valide Sultan Nurbanu, who was the wife of Salim
II.
Rustam Pasha Mosque
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It is paragon of the Ottoman’s best
architectural and tile work since 1560.
Placed beautifully in the centre of the Tahtakale shopping district, it
was designed by Sinam for Rustam Pasha who was son in law and Chief Wazir of
Suleman the magnificent.
Over the two sets of entrance, there is a
porch and the Mosque's colonnaded patio. You'll quickly recognize the boards of
Iznik tiles set into the mosque's exterior. The inside is secured in more tiles
and gimmicks a dazzling dome, upheld by four tiled columns.
Yavuz Sultan Salim Mosque
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As the name itself suggest, this Mosque
was dedicated to Salim I who was a very unpopular and cold blooded Sultan. But
opposing, his mosque his much loved by the Turks and you will know why at the
very first sight of it. The Mosque was built in 1529 on the top of the Old
city’s fifth hill. It provides terrific views of Golden Horn and neighboring
landscapes from its top. It has a relatively simple yet elegant design. The inside
is decorated with mother of pearl and softly painted wooden and glassworks.
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Some beatiful history in Turkey really want to visit some time thanks for the blog
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