The Masterpieces of Mimar Sinan: His Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master Works

Architect Sinan and His Three Masterpieces from Apprentice to Master

During the time of the Ottoman Empire, the renowned architect Mimar Sinan left behind many significant works. He described the stages of his professional development through three major masterpieces. The Şehzade Mosque, completed in 1548, represents his apprenticeship; the Süleymaniye Mosque, completed in 1557, is his journeyman work; and the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne, inaugurated in 1575, is his masterpiece.

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🕌 Mimar Sinan's Apprentice Work: Şehzade Mosque (Istanbul)

Commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in memory of his son Şehzade Mehmed, who died at the age of 22 while serving as governor of Saruhan, the Şehzade Mosque was constructed between 1543 and 1548 in the Fatih district of Istanbul, which later took its name from the mosque.

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🕌 Mimar Sinan's Journeyman Work: Süleymaniye Mosque (Istanbul)

The Süleymaniye Mosque, commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and built by Mimar Sinan between 1551 and 1557, is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul. It stands as one of the most iconic examples of classical Ottoman architecture.

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🕌 Mimar Sinan's Masterpiece: Selimiye Mosque (Edirne)

Built in Edirne at the request of Sultan Selim II, the Selimiye Mosque features four minarets and is considered Mimar Sinan’s crowning achievement. Its strategic placement within the city also reflects Sinan's exceptional talent in urban planning and architectural foresight.