8 stunning mosques designed by Mimar Sinan, the greatest architect of the Ottoman Empire

Located near the Spice Bazaar in Istanbul, Rüstem Pasha Mosque is a hidden masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. Commissioned by Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha and designed by Mimar Sinan, it was completed in 1563. Though modest in size, the mosque is renowned for its exquisite İznik tilework, which covers nearly every surface. Often described as a smaller, quieter version of the Blue Mosque, it offers a stunning display of Ottoman artistry in an intimate setting.

Perched on the Sixth Hill of Istanbul near the Byzantine land walls, the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is one of Mimar Sinan’s most striking creations. Commissioned in the 1560s by Mihrimah Sultan, the beloved daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, this imperial mosque is a landmark of the city's skyline.

Situated on Istanbul’s Third Hill, the Şehzade Mosque is one of Mimar Sinan’s earliest and most significant works. Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent in memory of his son Şehzade Mehmed, who died of smallpox at 22, it was built between 1544 and 1555.
Often called the "Prince’s Mosque," this masterpiece of Classical Ottoman architecture features elegant minarets and an impressive octagonal mausoleum for Mehmed, making it a poignant symbol of both architectural brilliance and a father’s grief.

Nestled in Istanbul’s Kadırga neighborhood, the Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque is a stunning example of Mimar Sinan’s architectural genius. Commissioned in 1571 by Grand Vizier Sokollu Mehmed Pasha and his wife, İsmihan Sultan, it features exceptional İznik tilework and exquisite stained-glass windows. A unique feature of this mosque is the use of actual pieces from the Ka’aba in its mihrab and minbar, making it one of the most spiritually significant mosques in Istanbul.

Standing majestically on Istanbul’s Third Hill, the Süleymaniye Mosque is one of Mimar Sinan’s most celebrated works and a masterpiece of classical Ottoman architecture. Commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent, construction began in 1550 and was completed in 1557. As the largest Ottoman-era mosque in Istanbul, it offers breathtaking views over the Golden Horn and is part of a grand külliye, which once housed madrasas, a public kitchen, and a hospital. Behind the qibla wall, the mausoleums of Suleiman the Magnificent and his wife, Hurrem Sultan, add to its historical significance, making it one of the most important landmarks in the city.

Located in Edirne, the Selimiye Mosque is widely regarded as Mimar Sinan's masterpiece and one of the finest examples of Ottoman architecture. Commissioned by Sultan Selim II, it was completed between 1568 and 1575 and later added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2011. The mosque is renowned for its engineering marvels, featuring four towering minarets, a stunning single dome unsupported by a half-dome, and exquisite tiles, marbles, and calligraphy. As one of the most significant achievements in Islamic architecture, it exemplifies Sinan’s genius and remains a must-see for visitors.

Built in 1562 by Lala Mustafa Paşa in Erzurum, the Lala Pasha Mosque is the first Ottoman-era mosque in the region. Designed by Mimar Sinan, it follows the typical Ottoman mosque plan of the era with a large central dome surrounded by four smaller corner domes.
The mosque’s interior is adorned with intricate Quranic calligraphy, plant motifs, and geometric designs, adding to its visual splendor. Often described as a "diamond" in Ahmet Hamdi Tanpinar's book "Bes Sehir", it features three doors and 28 windows, with a commemorative inscription from Mehmed IV at the entrance.

Located in Diyarbakır, Behram Pasha Mosque is a 16th-century Ottoman mosque commissioned by Behram Pasha, the Ottoman governor-general. Designed by Mimar Sinan, this mosque is a prime example of Diyarbakır's unique architectural style, featuring impressive stonemasonry and a contemporary compression style. Notable for its elegance and craftsmanship, Behram Pasha Mosque stands as one of the most precious and distinctive examples of Ottoman architecture from its era.