yavuz sultan selim mosque
Yavuz Selim Mosque is an Ottoman imperial mosque located on top of the fifth hill of Istanbul , overlooking beautiful scenery. The cistern of Aspar, which dates back to Byzantium, is located near the mosque. The mosque was constructed on the ruins of the Roman Palace. Apart from its historical beauty, the mosque affords a picturesque view of the Golden Horn. The courtyard of the Mosque is the best palace observe the Golden Horn and its surroundings.
Yavuz Selim Mosque History and Architecture
The location of the mosque was chosen by Sultan Selim I. (Yavuz Selim), who also laid the foundation. His son SUltan Suleyman I opened the mosque in 1522. The architect was Acem Ali. The large courtyard has a colonnaded portico and a foundation in the center. The stairs of the Kırk Merdiven gate descend toard the Golden Horn. There are two more gates, one leads to the tombs and the other one out to the street. The mosque is very imposing, standing under the cypress trees. The simplicity and modestry of Yavuz. Selim are reflected in this mosque itself is decorated with very early examples of Iznik tiles. These tiles have mostly been placed above the windows. The dome was constructed over an area with a 24.5 meter deameter, and there are no demi-domes. The mother-of-pearl inlay is an exquisite example of the art of this period. The niche, which displays a cover brought from the Ka’ba, is made of high quality marble.
The mosque sits in a complex with diffrent sections including a school. The tombs are located in the garden behind the mosque. The architectural style of the tomb of Yavuz Selim is octaganal and there are panels of the tiles with different designs.Yuvuz Selim lies alone in this tomb. There are also the tombs of princes and Sultan Abdülmecid in the Garden.
