Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque – A Place of History and Beauty

Looking back in time is actually an easy thing to do when you visit Istanbul. There are buildings of history at every turn, and once you start to learn about the facts related to them, you can almost feel yourself back there, listening to echoes of times gone by. One place where you will certainly feel the years that have passed is Mihrimah Sultan Mosque.

Built during the 1560s, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque was ordered to be built by Sultan Suleyman I, in honour of his daughter, Princess Mihrimah. The mosque is located in Edirnekapi, and it’s important not to get this mosque mixed up with another mosque by the same name, located over on the Asian side of the city, in Uskudar.

The History And Architecture of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

As with many Ottoman buildings of importance, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque was designed by the famous architect, Mimar Sinan. The building has typical Ottoman architecture and includes a whole complex which covers a madrasa, hamam, shops, and a tomb.

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is said to be located at the point where the sun disappears during sunset, during the month of March. This is when the sun is low in the sky, and casts a beautiful orange glow across the entire cityscape. The ironic and rather beautiful story behind this is that on 21 March every year, the sun goes down behind the mosque, but the moon then rises behind the other mosque by the same name, in Uskudar. This date is important because it is Mihrimah’s birthday. What a beautiful dedication!

Despite the architecture being typically Ottoman in style, there are some points which set Mihrimah Sultan Mosque apart from the others in the area. Firstly, it does only have one minaret, but this isn’t unusual, however we have to take into account that this is an Imperial mosque, and most of this kind had more than one minaret. The unique part is that  entire mosque is covered over with one huge dome. This dome is 37 metres high, and covers a huge 20 metres diameter. You truly have to see this mosque to really understand the sheer scale and beauty of it.

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is also very well preserved, and although the complex shops aren’t in existence anymore, the rest of the complex is there to be seen. If you look closely at the gate’s decoration, you’ll see the original decoration in mother of pearl still there to this very day.

Visiting Mihrimah Sultan Mosque

Mihrimah sultan Mosque is open every day, from 9am until 6pm, however do remember that during public holidays, especially during Bayram celebrations, the mosque may be closed to general visitors at certain times. Also, remember that the mosque is functioning so it will close during regular prayer times for a short while too. There is no fee to enter the mosque, however donations are very greatly received and will go towards the upkeep of the mosque for future generations to enjoy.

Remember when visiting any mosque you must respect the etiquette associated with such place of worship. Women will need to cover their heads, and everyone must wear respectable clothing, ensuring arms and legs are covered appropriately. Everyone must remove their shoes before entering the mosque. Also be sure not to walk in front of anyone who is praying inside, and keep photography to an absolute minimum, avoiding flash pictures. This is simply respectful behaviour and ensures that those who are inside the mosque for religions reasons are able to complete their prayers and contemplation, whilst general visitors are also able to enjoy and appreciate the building at the same time.

Getting to Mihrimah Sultan Mosque isn’t difficult, as Edirnekapi is quite close to some of the major parts of the city, such as Taksim and Sultanahmet. There is a main bus which leaves Taksim and heads over to Edirnekapi, via Eminonu, on a regular basis, and then you simply get off at Edirnekapi main bus station. The mosque is just a few minutes on foot from there.

You could make a day of it and explore the rest of the region, with the city walls (the old walls of Constantinople) not too far away. Seeing these for yourself is a truly wonderful experience and it helps you realise the sheer scale of the city, and how it was defended all those thousands of years ago, from the many invaders who wants to lay claim to it as their own.