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You are here: Home / HISTORY / Mimar Sinan: The Best Ottoman Architect

Mimar Sinan: The Best Ottoman Architect

14 July 2020 by Serhat Engül

Ottoman Architect Sinan

Famous Ottoman Architect Mimar Sinan and His Works

Mimar Sinan was born in Christian family. He was selected under the Devşirme (Literally recruiting in Turkish) system for Janissery (Ottoman elite troops) training schools. He managed to get to Imperial School (Enderun) which was located in the Topkapı Palace and only the brilliant children were selected for this school.

He rose rapidly through the ranks, ending up as commander in Janissery units. His ability as a builder of military constructions eventually brought him to the attention of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. He was appointed as chief of the Ottoman architects.

Ottoman Imperial Mosques of Istanbul

Ottoman Mosques
Ottoman Mosques of Istanbul

Mimar Sinan’s Architectural Innovations

He embraced the cultural inheritance of Ottoman Empire from Seljuk Turks (Ancestors of Ottomans) and Byzantine Empire. He claims that he was deeply impressed by the architecture of Hagia Sophia and worked very hard to surpass its wisdom.

Sinan devoted himself to a prodigious output of architecture. He was involved in the design of mosques, tombs, fountains, hamams, aqueducts and schools.

Interior of Suleymaniye Mosque
Dome of Suleymaniye Mosque

Architect Sinan’s Masterpieces

His greatest achivement was to establish links between the past, present and the future. That is why he is known as the greatest urban planner and architect of the entire Ottoman Era. (Throughout 624 years)

He regarded the Şehzade Mosque (Istanbul) as the work of his apprentice days, Suleymaniye Mosque (Istanbul) as the work of his maturity, and the Selimiye Mosque (Edirne) as his masterpiece.

Mosques in Istanbul by Mimar Sinan
Suleymaniye Mosque

Mimar Sinan Structures in Istanbul

  • In Topkapi Palace: The Palace Kitchens & Sultan Murad III Room In the Harem
  • In Hagia Sophia: Twin bolder minarets on the western side.
  • In Sultanahmet Park: Ayasofya Hurrem Hamamı – A still functioning Turkish Bath

Ayasofya Hamami (Turkish Bath)

Ayasofya Hamami Turkish Bath
Ayasofya Haseki Hurrem Sultan Bath

Sultan’s Room in Topkapi Palace

Mimar Sinan Structures in Istanbul, Turkey
Sultan’s Room

Architect Sinan’s Tomb

Sinan lived a long life. He was the chief architect for 3 generations: Sultan Suleiman I, Selim II and Murat III. He died at the age of 98 in Istanbul. His tomb is located next to one his masterpiece: Süleymaniye Mosque.

World famous Blue Mosque is built by his first assistant, Sedefkar Mehmet Agha. That is why I often recommend, in the articles, to see Suleymaniye Mosque, the work of the master.

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Blue Mosque

Ottoman Architect Mimar Sinan by Serhat Engul

Filed Under: HISTORY

Serhat Engül

About Serhat Engül

Hello explorer of Istanbul! This is Serhat Engul. I am a licensed TOUR GUIDE IN ISTANBUL. I offer PRIVATE HALF DAY TOUR which includes a visit to the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Hippodrome, Basilica Cistern and the Spice Bazaar. This is a fantastic option to see some of the ICONIC LANDMARKS in the whole of Istanbul and you’ll receive plenty of background information on each location to enlighten you. You may see the details of this tour on the HOMEPAGE of the blog. I wish you a wonderful trip!

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Serhat EngülHello, I'm Serhat Engul. I am a licensed tour guide operating in Istanbul. I do walking tours in Istanbul focusing on Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman history. If you want to join a private guided tour in Istanbul, you can check out my references and tours from ABOUT page. I hope the articles I posted on this site help you in planning your Istanbul trip. I wish you a nice holiday in Istanbul! Read More…

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