Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
Hagia Sophia
Istanbul, Turkey
A sixth-century domed masterpiece that has been a church and a mosque.
Church, mosque or temple · Turkey · Istanbul
Suleymaniye Mosque
A grand sixteenth-century mosque by the architect Sinan, on a hill above the Golden Horn.
UNESCO World Heritage Free to enter about 45 min
For storytellers
Why Suleymaniye Mosque matters
This great mosque, built for Sultan Suleiman in the sixteenth century, crowns one of the hills of Istanbul. Its dome, courtyard and graceful minarets reflect the genius of Sinan. The garden terrace has some of the best views of the Golden Horn.
Talking points
- It was designed by Sinan.
- The terrace has a fine view.
- It is part of the UNESCO-listed historic areas.
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Church, mosque or temple · UNESCO
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The home of Ottoman sultans for centuries, with courtyards, treasure and Bosphorus views.
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A vast underground Byzantine water reservoir with hundreds of columns.
Market
Grand Bazaar
Istanbul, Turkey
A huge covered market of lanes selling carpets, ceramics, jewellery and lamps.
Also nearby
Within about 40 km, closest first.