Istanbul is a magnificent city that captivates everyone who visits. Whether it’s taking a ferry ride and feeding seagulls with simit (Turkish bagels), admiring the historic peninsula that stands like a timeless masterpiece, or marveling at the Maiden’s Tower rising gracefully in the middle of the sea—there’s always something magical to experience. Istanbul, often referred to as the “City of Opportunities,” boasts beauty in every corner. In short, it is safe to say that Istanbul is one of the most beautiful metropolitan cities in the world. Among its many historical gems, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque stands out, not only for its architectural splendor but also for the enchanting story behind it. Let’s delve into the tale of the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque and explore its architectural and historical significance.
The Story of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
According to legend, Mihrimah Sultan, the daughter of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, was of marriageable age and had two suitors: Rüstem Pasha and the great architect Mimar Sinan. However, Sultan Suleiman chose Rüstem Pasha as her husband. Heartbroken, Mimar Sinan buried his love deep in his heart, but it eventually found expression through his work. He designed and built two mosques for Mihrimah Sultan—one in Üsküdar and the other in Edirnekapı.
With all his love and devotion, Mimar Sinan poured his heart into these architectural masterpieces. On Mihrimah Sultan’s birthday, March 21, the sun sets behind the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Edirnekapı, while the moon rises between the minarets of the mosque in Üsküdar. Interestingly, the name “Mihrimah” is derived from Persian, meaning “sun and moon.” Combining his architectural genius with his unspoken love, Mimar Sinan immortalized his affection by creating these two magnificent mosques.
Location of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
- Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque: Also known as the İskele Mosque, it is located in Üsküdar district, right in the town square.
- Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque: Situated in the Karagümrük neighborhood of Istanbul, this mosque is right next to the ancient city walls.
How to Get to Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
- To Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque: The journey to Üsküdar is as delightful as it is easy. A ferry ride from Eminönü, Karaköy, Beşiktaş, or Kabataş will take you to Üsküdar, from where the mosque is a short walk away. Alternatively, you can take the Marmaray train and get off at Üsküdar station, where the mosque is visible from the square.
- To Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque: The most convenient option is to take the Metrobus. Get off at Edirnekapı station, and the mosque is a 5-minute walk from there.
History of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
The first Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, located in Üsküdar, was built by Mimar Sinan at the behest of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent for his daughter Mihrimah Sultan. Known as the İskele Mosque, it is one of Sinan’s earlier works and combines the meanings of “sun” and “moon” in its name.
The second mosque, in Edirnekapı, was commissioned by Mihrimah Sultan herself. Construction began in 1562 and was completed in 1565. This mosque, located at a high elevation, offers breathtaking views of the city and is an example of Mimar Sinan’s mature architectural style.
Architecture of Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
- Üsküdar Mihrimah Sultan Mosque:
This mosque features two minarets with a single balcony each. Its marble pulpit and intricately designed mihrab exemplify classic Ottoman architecture. On its seaside-facing façade stands a 20-sided marble fountain, a notable feature of the mosque. When viewed from the İskele Square, the mosque appears like a bird spreading its wings—a truly awe-inspiring sight. - Edirnekapı Mihrimah Sultan Mosque:
Built on a rectangular plan, this mosque has entrances on three sides, each leading to the courtyard. Unlike its Üsküdar counterpart, it has a single minaret, making it uniquely elegant. Inside, the galleries flanking the main dome give the mosque a sense of grandeur. The marble mihrab is one of the finest examples of Sinan’s era. Legend has it that Sinan ordered the construction of thousands of wells beneath the mosque’s foundation to ensure its stability, showcasing his unparalleled engineering skills.
Lesser-Known Facts About Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
- At the entrance of Sultan Suleiman’s tomb near the Edirnekapı mosque, there is a Hacer-ül Esved stone, identical to the sacred stone at the Kaaba. Touching this stone is prohibited.
- The proportions of the Üsküdar mosque align with the golden ratio, a testament to Sinan’s precision and brilliance.
- The soot from the mosque’s candles and oil lamps was collected in a specially designed soot room and repurposed to make high-quality ink.
Both mosques, in Üsküdar and Edirnekapı, stand as extraordinary examples of Ottoman architecture and love’s enduring power. Mimar Sinan’s work for Mihrimah Sultan showcases how creativity and emotion can come together to produce timeless masterpieces.
As we explore Istanbul, it’s clear that every corner of this city offers something new to discover. For anyone planning a trip to Istanbul, these two mosques should undoubtedly be on your “must-visit” list.
