Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) Facing St. Sophia is the supremely elegant, imperial, six minaret mosque of Sultan Ahmet I. Built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet, it is known as the Blue Mosque, because ot its magnificent interior decorati on of blue Iznik tiles. During the tourist season there is a light and sound show in the evening.

Suleymaniye Mosque The mosque of Suleyman the Magnificent, where he and his wífe are buried, is considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul. It was built between 1550 and 1557 by the famous architect Sinan whose wish was to su rpass the builders of St. Sophia. Standing on a hill, it is conspicuous by its great size, emphasised by the four minarets rising one from each corner of the courtyard. Inside,the mihrab (prayer niche ) and the mimber (pulpit) are of finely carved white m arble, and there are fine stained glass windows. Adjoining the mosque were theological schools, a school of medicine, a soup kitchen and hospice for the poor, a caravanserai and a Turkish bath.

Rustem Pasa Mosque Another skillful accomplishment of the architect Sinan, this mosque was built in 1561 on the orders of Rustem Pasa, Grand Vizier and son-in-law of Suleyman the Magnificient. The exquisite interior is covered with some of the fine st examples of Iznik tiles.

Fatih Mosque This imperial mosque, constructed between 1463 and 1470, bears the name of the conqueror of Istanbul, Fatih Sultan Mehmet, and is the site of his mausoleum. Standing on top of one of the hills of Istanbul, it is notable for its vast si ze and great complex of religious buildings surrounding it: theological schools, hospices, a hospital, baths, a caravanserai and a library.

Eyup Mosque The Great Mosque of Eyup is situated outside the walls near the Golden Horn where Eyup, standard-bearer of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH), died in an assault on Constantinople in 670. His tomb is greatly venerated and attracts many pilgrims. This was the first mosque built after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul.

Yeni Mosque Built between 1597 and 1663, this mosque, located at Eminonu, is one of the best known sights of Istanbul. An elegant fountain for ritual ablutions stands in the large courtyard and the sultan's section is decorated with marvellous Izni k tiles.

Sokollu Mehmet Pasa Mosque This l6th century mosque, constructed on the slope of a hill below Sultan Ahmet Square, is one of the most beautiful examples of classical Turkish architecture and is a masterpiece ofthe architect Sinan. The pulpit and pr ayer niches are of special interest as they are covered with beautiful Iznik tiles.

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Edirnekapi) This mosque was also designed by Sinan and built in 1555 for Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Suleyman the Magnificent. This majestic mosque has 161 windows (some with stained glass), made in three rows on each side, which fill this mosque with an abundance of light.

melih@knidos.cc.metu.edu.tr