The Süleymaniye Mosque, was built between the years 1550-1557, on the order of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent. The mosque was created by Mimar Sinan, the architectural genius, who received the award from the sultan in the form of a golden key. The temple designed in the Byzantine style was destroyed by the fire a hundred years after it had been placed in service. It was obviously restored, however, in the Baroque style. Its foundations are built of tanks filled with water, thanks to which the building is earthquake resistant. Tourists are usually most impressed by the interior of the mosque, which is so large that it can accommodate 5000 people. Stained-glass windows, mosaics on the walls and dozens of crystal chandeliers create the atmosphere of Middle East mysticism.
