Rüstem Pasha and Süleymaniye Mosques

My favorite of the mosques was Rüstem Pasha Mosque, the smallest of those we visited, and rather unremarkable from the outside. Inside, however, it is simply gorgeous. Every wall is covered with a different design of Iznik tiles.

The  Rüstem Pasha was built in the 1560’s and is a showpiece of Ottoman architecture and tilework.

The Süleymaniye Mosque was the largest mosque we visited, and is visible on the hill from across the Golden Horn as well as from the Bosphorus. Construction began in 1550 and was completed in 1558. The famed architect, Mimar Sinan, was responsible for its design. It was commissioned by Suleiman I who was known as “The Magnificient,” and his mosque lives up to his name. 

The interior is less elaborate than some, but beautifully decorated with painted designs.

The colors here are just gorgeous.

The Süleymaniye Mosque is unusual because many of the original outbuildings have been retained and restored. The grounds and gardens are beautiful and well maintained.

We visited both mosques on the same day we did the Spice Market and the Grand Bazaar. No wonder we were tired!

Edited to add:  Some good news here. Mike squeezed Karen’s hand on command yesterday afternoon, and by-pass/valve replacement surgery is scheduled for early tomorrow morning. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers—keep them coming!