Christianity and Islam Mingles; Suleymaniye Mosque & Kariye Museum

Depart from the hotel to visit the most beautiful and splendid of all the imperial mosques in Istanbul, Suleymaniye, the mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent. Built between the years 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the greatest of all Ottoman architects; Suleymaniye Mosque was built with the wishes to surpass the builders of St. Sophia. Like other works of that time, Suleymaniye is not only a mosque but also a huge complex. It is an edifice which typifies the Ottoman Empire at its peak.

The magnificence of the mosque, clearly reflected in its architecture, also prevails in the interior, in the fine portal gates, carved marble mihrab and minber and even the carpets, chandeliers and bronze candlesticks.

Continue to visit Kariye Museum. Kariye is the Turkish adaptation of the ancient Greek world “chora” which refers to “countryside”. The church was built in the 4th century during the Byzantine days, then outside the city walls. First converted into a mosque during the 16th century, it was finally made a museum in 1948, leaving no Islamic element in the building except the minaret. The walls are decorated with superb 14th century-frescoes, and mosaics on a gold ground.

Operates on: Thursday, Apr 25
Duration: 13:00 – 18:00
Price: 35 Euro per person
Minimum number of guests: 16