Mimar Sinan route: his mosques, hamams and tombs in the Historic Peninsula
Route summary
| Duration | 1.5 days |
|---|---|
| Best for | Lovers of architecture and art history |
| Number of stops | 9 |
| Total walking (approx.) | 4.3 km |
Who was Mimar Sinan?
Mimar Sinan (around 1490–1588) trained in the Janissary corps and mastered bridge and fortress building for the army before becoming Chief Royal Architect in 1539, a post he held until his death. Under Suleiman the Magnificent, Selim II and Murad III he built mosques, madrasas, hamams, bridges and waterworks. He himself described the Şehzade Mosque as his apprentice work, Süleymaniye as his journeyman work and the Selimiye in Edirne as his masterpiece. His tomb stands at the corner of the Süleymaniye complex.
Day 1: From Kadırga to the Golden Horn
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Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque
Fragments of stone brought from the Kaaba, and tiles (1572).
Suggested time: 30 min
About 12 min walk to the next stop (870 m) Directions
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Hürrem Sultan Hamam
The double hamam built for Hürrem Sultan (1557).
Suggested time: 10 min (outside)
About 12 min walk to the next stop (840 m) Directions
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About 20 min walk to the next stop (1.4 km) Directions
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Süleymaniye Mosque
Sinan’s “journeyman work” and his tomb at the corner of the complex.
Suggested time: 1.5 hours
About 3 min walk to the next stop (220 m) Directions
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About 6 min walk to the next stop (390 m) Directions
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Day 2 (half day): Şehzade, Zeyrek and Edirnekapı
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About 9 min walk to the next stop (610 m) Directions
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Zeyrek Çinili Hamam
The hamam built for Barbaros Hayreddin Pasha and its museum.
Suggested time: 45 min
The next stop is 2.8 km away (about 39 min on foot); a taxi or public transport is recommended Directions
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Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
The mosque in Edirnekapı with its light-filled interior.
Suggested time: 30 min
Things to note on the route
The hamams are working businesses; seeing them from outside is free, while going inside needs a paid hamam package or a museum ticket. The museum section of the Zeyrek Çinili Hamam can be visited without bathing. Mosques close to visitors during prayer times. The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque, the last stop on day two, is in Edirnekapı; you need a taxi or bus to get there.
Our family hotels closest to the start of the route
Walking times are approximate and measured from the hotel door; where the hotel gives its own time, we show that.
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Sareban Hotel
Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque: 2 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
An alcohol-free family hotel in Küçük Ayasofya, looking out to the Marmara
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Emirhan Inn Hotel
Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque: 3 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
A budget-friendly hotel with free breakfast in Küçük Ayasofya
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Seven Roses Apart Hotel
Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque: 3 min walk (time given by the hotel) Walking route
Apartments with kitchens in Küçük Ayasofya, with roomy options for larger families
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Green Life Apart Hotel
Sokollu Mehmed Pasha Mosque: 3 min walk (220 m) Walking route
Family-run apartments with kitchenettes and a sea-view roof terrace in Küçük Ayasofya
Frequently asked questions
What is Mimar Sinan’s most important work in Istanbul?
The Süleymaniye Mosque is considered Sinan’s most important work in Istanbul. Sinan himself called Süleymaniye his “journeyman work”; his masterpiece is the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne.
Where is Mimar Sinan’s tomb?
Mimar Sinan’s tomb is at the northern corner of the Süleymaniye complex, in the garden of the house he built for himself.