Mimar Sinan: The Genius of Ottoman Architectureeee

Mimar Sinan is one of the most famous architects of the Ottoman Empire and one of the names that brought alive the golden age of Ottoman architecture. However, there are many interesting details and structures that are unknown about it. Here is our blog post that we prepared specifically for the Commemoration of Mimar Sinan and Architects Week...

Transformation in his youth:

Mimar Sinan originally started his military career as a Janissary. However, his talents were noticed and he was sent to Hagia Sophia Madrasa in Istanbul to study architecture. This transformation was a step that determined the future of Ottoman architecture.

Forgotten Works

In addition to the structures of Mimar Sinan that have survived to the present day, there are also lost or forgotten works. Many of his works have been destroyed or destroyed over time, especially in the Balkans and the Middle East. Some researchers aim to create a complete portrait of Ottoman architecture by tracing these lost works.

Engineering Genius

Mimar Sinan is considered not only an architect but also an engineer. His structures are admirable not only in terms of aesthetics, but also in terms of durability and engineering. Some of his structures supported quite large spans and heights using the technology of that period.

Fine Details in the Art of Decoration

Mimar Sinan's buildings are not only fascinating, but also full of fine details in the art of decoration. The motifs, geometric patterns and mastery of workmanship used in his works reflect the artistic approach of the period. Particularly the details in the tiles, marble workmanship and wood carving are dazzling.

Mysteries of Selimiye Mosque

Selimiye Mosque, one of the most famous works of Mimar Sinan, has many mysteries not only in terms of aesthetics but also. The height of the dome of the mosque shows how advanced the engineering knowledge was at that time. In addition, the architectural arrangement and acoustic features of the mosque arouse curiosity even today.

Social responsibility projects

It is important to know that Mimar Sinan did not focus only on palaces and mosques. He also played an important role in social responsibility projects such as hospitals, bridges and aqueducts. These structures have served large segments of society and reflect its people-oriented approach.

Interesting Information About Some Structures

Suleymaniye Mosque (Fatih, Istanbul)

It took exactly 7 years to build.
3200 kilos of gold were spent on its construction.
3523 people worked in its construction.
Inside the mosque, the sound hangs in the air for 3.5 seconds; The science of acoustics is difficult to analyze even today.

Haseki Hurrem Sultan Complex (Fatih, Istanbul)

It is the first work done by Mimar Sinan as the "chief architect".
It is known that the mosque, which was started to be built with a single dome, was expanded by Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa in 1612.
It later became a madrasah.
According to Evliya Çelebi, the choice of the place where the Haseki madrasah was built was considered a delicacy by Suleiman the Magnificent.

Kara Ahmet Pasha Mosque (Fatih, Istanbul)

Kara Ahmet Pasha is the wife of Fatma Sultan, the sister of Suleiman the Magnificent.
It is known that the construction stopped after Kara Ahmet Pasha was executed in 1555.
According to Hadîkatü'l-cevamî, it is estimated that it was completed 7 years after his death, that is, in 1562.
The sermon lectern and the wooden wings of the door and windows are beautiful examples of 16th century interlocking woodwork.
Kılıç Ali Pasha Mosque (Beyoğlu, Istanbul)

Sultan III. Murad said to Kılıç Ali Pasha, “You are the commander of the oceans. When Kılıç Ali Pasha said, "Go and build your mosque on the sea," the construction of the mosque started.
III. Murad asks Mimar Sinan to strengthen Hagia Sophia. In order to gain experience, Mimar Sinan made a small model of the gigantic Hagia Sophia in this mosque, using accurate architectural measurements.
Cervantes, a soldier in the Spanish navy, was captured in the Battle of Lepanto and was given his freedom after working on the construction of this complex.