Yavuz Selim Mosque, Ottoman mosque in Çukurbostan district, Istanbul, Turkey
Yavuz Selim Mosque stands on the Fifth Hill of Istanbul with a large courtyard surrounded by marble and granite columns that frame the main prayer hall. Built from dimension stone, granite, and marble, it displays the balanced proportions typical of Ottoman architectural design.
Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent commissioned this mosque in 1520 to honor his father Selim I, with construction completed in 1527 under architect Alaüddin. Over time the building underwent repairs and modifications to maintain its structural integrity across different centuries.
The mosque displays colored tile panels made by Iranian craftsmen using dry rope techniques, similar to those at Topkapi Palace. These decorations show how Ottoman rulers brought together artisans and artistic traditions from different parts of their empire.
Located near the Golden Horn, this mosque operates throughout the day with separate sections for male and female worshippers. Visitors should wear respectful clothing and plan to visit outside prayer times for the best experience.
Three octagonal mausoleums in the garden hold the tombs of Sultan Selim I, four sons of Suleiman the Magnificent, and Sultan Abdülmecid I. These structures were built at different times and represent different periods of Ottoman rule rather than being constructed as a single complex.
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