Summary of Sinan, Süleymaniye Mosque

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The Sinan, Süleymaniye Mosque is an enormous complex in Istanbul, built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 36th year of his reign. The building is viewed as Sinan's crowning achievement, and features a space that is illuminated by light not just from the outside, but also from the way the space is lit. The mosque is overwhelming both in its size and in the ceremonies that go along with it.

• 00:00:00 The Sinan, Süleymaniye Mosque is an enormous complex in Istanbul, built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 36th year of his reign. It is a testament to his greatness and the greatness of the Ottoman Empire, and features a grandeur and sureness that is unsurprising given the design and construction by Sinan, Suleiman's great architect. The building is viewed as Sinan's crowning achievement, and features a space that is illuminated by light not just from the outside, but also from the way the space is lit. It is an attempt to take Hagia Sophia, which was built by Justinian, and remake it better. The building is original, with a few other elements, such as the stained glassed windows, created by Abraham the Drunkard.
• 00:05:00 Sinan designed the Süleymaniye Mosque in 1550, and the blue pigments used in the original decoration were made of lapis lazuli. This extraordinary expensive material contributes to the awe-inspiring effect of the mosque. The way ancient forms are reused and rethought can be seen throughout, with examples including the capitals at the top of the massive granite columns and the muqarnas capitals used in the columns. The mosque is overwhelming both in its size and in the ceremonies that go along with it.