The Süleymaniye Mosque is regarded as the most important work of the Ottoman court architect Mimar Sinan. It was built between 1550 and 1557 for Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent and still dominates the skyline of the historic peninsula today. The building combines monumental size with remarkable harmony. The mighty dome, the elegant minarets and the spacious interior reflect the golden age of the Ottoman Empire. Inside, the mosque impresses with its balanced proportions, natural light and exceptional acoustics. The complex also included schools, hospitals, libraries and social institutions, making it far more than a place of worship. Behind the mosque lie the mausoleums of Sultan Süleyman and his famous wife Hürrem Sultan. The viewing terrace overlooking the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus is particularly popular. Despite its size, the Süleymaniye often feels calmer than the Blue Mosque and conveys an authentic impression of Ottoman spirituality and architecture.