Sinan the Architect was 84 years old when he started to build the Selimiye Mosque. This mosque is his most magnificent masterpiece. Sinan the Architect personally said that he experienced his apprenticeship in Sehzade Mosque, his foremanship in Suleymaniye Mosque and his mastership in Selimiye Mosque. Construction of the monument was started in 1569 and after six years of heavy works was completed in 1575. The mosque covers an area of 2.475 sq meters in whole, 1.620 sq meters of which is internal parts, having built completely by cut square stones on over a hill in Edirne. Selimiye Mosque, described in the architectural history as a building set on the largest space, draws attention with its height of 43.28 meters from the ground and with its dome in a diameter of 31.30 meters. This is larger and higher than Hagia Sophia. This dome sits on eight great columns that are connected to each other with arches of 5 meter large and covers the whole mosque. Four semi domes on the corners and one semi dome over the altar support the central dome. This dome is hugged by four elegant minarets with three balconies each, raised on the four corners of the mosque. Each balcony has its own steps to go up. Inside the mosque is ornamented with the most beautiful examples of Turkish glazed tiles.

Editor, Medasist International
Archeologist Funda CIVAN