However, alongside all the mosques, he was also responsible for building bridges around Istanbul, not figuratively but literally. He created precisely 35 aqueduct bridges around Turkey. In this guide, we look more closely at the legacy left by Architect Sinan, listing notable buildings and historical places to visit in Istanbul while also touching on one of the classic questions for travelers: what are the essential things to do in Istanbul?
Architect Sinan masterpieces in Istanbul
For many visitors, the best introduction to Sinan’s work is through Istanbul’s monumental mosque architecture. His buildings are not only important religious sites but also major landmarks for understanding Ottoman design, engineering, and urban life. If you are already planning stops at Suleymaniye Mosque or nearby cultural sites such as Topkapi Palace, adding Sinan-focused visits makes perfect sense.
Suleymaniye Mosque
One of the monumental things to do in Istanbul is to visit Süleymaniye Mosque, a place with immense history and meaning. Designed by the imperial Architect Sinan in 1550, Süleymaniye Mosque is a must-see historical place in Istanbul. Alongside it being an attraction for tourists, it has great religious significance. The process of building it started in 1550 and was completed in 1557. Since it took eight whole years to build, it is considered one of the important historical places in Istanbul. It was initially created in the name of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent by Architect Sinan.
One of the first things that attracts attention is its staggeringly immense size, and it is therefore known as Architect Sinan’s largest design. Thanks to that enormous scale, it also accommodates eye-catching decoration on its walls, compared here to Michelangelo’s work. Yet the mosque does not only offer remarkable design and jaw-dropping architecture; it is also home to the tombs of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, his wife Haseki Hürrem, and the architect himself, Architect Sinan. For travelers exploring the old city, it also pairs naturally with nearby routes through the Grand Bazaar.
Şehzade Mosque, also called the Prince's Mosque
Another masterpiece of Architect Sinan that you can visit while traveling in Istanbul is the magnificent historical mosque, Şehzade Mosque. Located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, the mosque was commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent as a tribute to his favorite son Şehzade Mehmet, who died in 1543, hence its nickname the Prince's Mosque. Considered one of Architect Sinan’s most magnificent and famous works, the mosque is among the historical places in Istanbul worth seeking out while discovering the city.
The mosque was Architect Sinan’s first major imperial work and held great value in the history of mosques in Istanbul. Its design takes your breath away, firstly with its large central dome surrounded by smaller domes and secondly with its courtyard. This is a prime example of Ottoman architecture with its open-air portico. If you are comparing major imperial mosques in the city, you may also want to see the Blue Mosque for a different architectural expression within Istanbul’s monumental skyline.
Hidden owls in Istanbul
One of the characteristics that distinguishes Architect Sinan’s work from that of other architects is his use of imagination to fulfill the essence of architecture. While Architect Sinan has masterpieces scattered across Istanbul and Turkey, visitors also point to clues that may reflect his interests in his imperial works. While the owl is commonly considered a symbol of evil in some traditions, it also represents knowledge and wisdom. In Greek mythology, Athena comes down to earth as an owl to observe mortals.
Athena is the goddess of wisdom, which may offer an insight into why Architect Sinan is said to have implemented owl figures in his designs. Looking at some of the mosques he built from a certain angle may reveal the formation of an owl. You can find these symbols in several of his masterpieces, including Selimiye Mosque and Süleymaniye Mosque. It is unclear why Architect Sinan had this unusual connection to owls; however, noticing these details can make you appreciate his mastery in a different light.
Honourable mentions
Büyükçekmece Bridge is one of Architect Sinan’s lesser-known works. However, it holds great value and displays immense magnificence. The White Tower of Thessaloniki is another masterpiece designed by Architect Sinan. Located in northern Greece, it enchants passersby with its size and beauty. So next time you are in Turkey, pay a visit to its neighbor and see countless masterpieces of Architect Sinan.
Architect Sinan’s work is not limited to Istanbul; you can travel through Turkey and find his many bridges and mosques scattered around, waiting to be discovered. Learning the hidden stories inside the masterpieces of Architect Sinan can give you a glimpse of life during the Ottoman Empire. For a broader historical overview, the architect’s life and works are also summarized on Wikipedia, while UNESCO’s wider context on heritage in Türkiye can be helpful for planning cultural travel via UNESCO.
Starting with the mosques, there is no shortage of historical places in Istanbul. Considered one of the greatest architects of all time, Architect Sinan poured all of his love into his designs and created masterpieces in Turkey and worldwide. Starting your journey into discovering the mind and work of Architect Sinan should begin in Istanbul, Turkey.
FAQ about Architect Sinan in Istanbul
Which Architect Sinan masterpiece should I visit first in Istanbul?
Süleymaniye Mosque is the most natural starting point for many visitors. It is one of Sinan’s best-known works in Istanbul, easy to combine with other old-city sights, and important for both its architecture and its historical tombs.
Why is Şehzade Mosque important?
Şehzade Mosque is important because it was Architect Sinan’s first major imperial work. It was commissioned by Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent in memory of Şehzade Mehmet and is widely appreciated for its balanced dome composition and courtyard design.
Are there really owl symbols in Sinan’s buildings?
The article highlights a popular interpretation that some of Sinan’s buildings reveal owl-like forms when viewed from certain angles. These details are often discussed as symbolic references to wisdom, though the exact reason remains unclear.
Was Architect Sinan known only for mosques?
No. Although his mosques are the most famous, the article also notes his bridges and aqueduct bridges around Turkey. His legacy extends beyond religious architecture into broader public works and infrastructure.
Can I see Sinan’s legacy only in Istanbul?
No. Istanbul is the best starting point, but Sinan’s work is spread across Turkey and beyond. The article mentions examples such as Selimiye Mosque and Büyükçekmece Bridge, showing the wider geographical reach of his architectural legacy.
