The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Edirnekapı is one of the most significant monuments of Ottoman architecture from the peak era of the Empire. Erected on the summit of the Sixth Hill of Constantinople, at the very foot of the Theodosian Walls, this mosque dominates the western part of the historical peninsula, shaping its silhouette. The structure was commissioned by Mihrimah Sultan, daughter of Sultan Suleiman the Lawgiver and Hürrem Sultan, and built by the outstanding architect Mimar Sinan.
It is important to note that this is one of two mosques built by Sinan in honor of Mihrimah Sultan: the second is located in the Üsküdar district (the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque in Üsküdar) on the Asian shore of the Bosphorus and is distinguished by its two minarets, whereas the mosque in Edirnekapı has only one.
The History of Mihrimah Sultan, Woven from Legends
The mosque was built by order of Mihrimah Sultan, the beloved and only daughter of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and Hürrem Sultan. Construction lasted only four years — from 1562 to 1565. However, the true reason for the mosque`s construction is shrouded in a romantic aura. There is a legend that the renowned architect Mimar Sinan was secretly and hopelessly in love with the young princess, despite the significant age difference. The single, incredibly slender and tall minaret, rising towards the sky, symbolizes his eternal but unrequited love and loneliness.
Another legend claims that Mihrimah herself, having been widowed after the death of her husband, the Grand Vizier Rüstem Pasha, wished to leave only one minaret as a symbol of her own loss and solitude.
The most beautiful and mystical story is associated with an astronomical phenomenon. The name Mihrimah translates from Persian as "Sun and Moon". It is said that Sinan designed two mosques in honor of the princess — in Üsküdar and in Edirnekapı — so that on March 21, her birthday, a miracle occurs: at the moment when the sun sets behind the mosque in Edirnekapı, the moon rises from behind the mosque in Üsküdar on the Asian shore.
A Masterpiece of Sinan`s Architecture
The architect created not just a mosque, but a true symphony of light and space. The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque is considered one of the brightest and most "airy" creations of Sinan.
The main volume of the building has a cubic form and is crowned by a grand dome with a diameter of 19 meters and a height of 37 meters. The dome rests not on massive columns, but on four corner towers, creating the sensation that it is floating in the air. Inside the mosque, there is not a single supporting column — this was an engineering marvel for the 16th century.
The walls on all four sides are pierced by three tiers of windows, and the dome itself is encircled by another row. In total, the mosque has over two hundred windows. Thanks to this, sunlight floods the entire interior space, making it feel light and solemn. Some windows are adorned with stained glass.
The interior decoration is distinguished by its refinement. Pay attention to the carved marble minbar — the pulpit for sermons. The doors and window shutters are made of wood and masterfully inlaid with mother-of-pearl and ivory. The huge chandeliers are positioned low, almost at eye level, creating a special, intimate atmosphere.
The Complex of the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Like many major Ottoman mosques, the Mihrimah Sultan is the center of an entire complex — a külliye. In addition to the mosque itself, the surrounding area contains a madrasa, a hammam, a türbe, and a row of shops, the rental income from which went towards the mosque`s maintenance. In the courtyard, there is a traditional fountain for ablutions.
The Trials of Time for the Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
Throughout its long history, the mosque has frequently suffered from earthquakes — in the 18th and 19th centuries. During one of them, the minaret collapsed and pierced the roof. Further damage was caused by the 1999 earthquake. Only in 2013-2014 was a full-scale restoration carried out, restoring the mosque to its former grandeur.
What Tourists Need to Know
The mosque is located in the Edirnekapı district, on the hilltop, practically right next to the famous Theodosian Walls of Constantinople. This allows you to combine a visit to it with a walk along the ancient fortifications.
The nearest metro station is Topkapı-Ulubatlı. From there, you can transfer to the light rail tram line to the Edirnekapı stop or take a walk. From Sultanahmet Square, it is convenient to take the tram to the Pazartekke stop and then transfer to a bus. A direct bus runs from Taksim Square.
The mosque is active, and entry is free. It is best to visit it during daylight hours to fully enjoy the play of light streaming through the hundreds of windows.
Unlike Sultanahmet and Hagia Sophia, which are crowded with tourists, here there is silence, peace, and a feeling of authenticity. This place offers a unique opportunity to touch living history and experience Sinan`s genius without the hustle and bustle.
