The Suleymaniye Mosque is located in the northwestern part of Rhodes Old Town, south of the Palace of the Grand Masters, at the intersection of Orfeos and Ippodamou streets. It is the most significant mosque on the island and the best-preserved monument of the Ottoman period in Rhodes. The building has a characteristic pink-brick color, which makes it easy to recognize among the surrounding medieval buildings.
History of the Suleymaniye Mosque in Rhodes
The mosque was built immediately after the capture of Rhodes by the forces of the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman I the Magnificent in 1522. It was the first mosque in the city, erected as a symbol of the Ottoman Empire`s victory over the knights of the Order of St. John, who had defended the fortress for over 200 years.
According to local tradition, the mosque was built on the site of the destroyed Christian Church of the Holy Apostles. Materials from earlier buildings were used in its construction — for example, the columns of the outer arcade were taken from an earlier Christian church.
Reconstruction of 1808
By the beginning of the 19th century, the original building had deteriorated. In 1808, the mosque was completely rebuilt according to the same design as the original. Most of the elements that have survived to this day belong to this reconstruction.
Earthquake and explosion of 1856
In 1856, a strong earthquake occurred in Rhodes, which damaged the mosque. That same year, lightning struck an underground gunpowder warehouse next to the nearby Church of St. John, causing a powerful explosion. The church was completely destroyed, and the mosque sustained additional damage.
Restorations of the 20th-21st centuries
In 1892, a decision was made to carry out repairs. At that time, the minaret, which originally had one balcony, was rebuilt with two balconies. In 1925, another repair of the minaret was carried out. From 1988 to 2005, a large-scale restoration of the entire building took place. In 2006, the mosque received the honorary distinction of Europa Nostra for the preservation of cultural heritage.
Architecture of the Suleymaniye Mosque in Rhodes
The mosque consists of three square-shaped halls covered by three domes. The central hall is covered by a large, high dome, while the side halls have smaller and lower domes. In total, the architectural ensemble features seven domes of varying sizes.
Initially, the central hall served as the prayer hall, while the side rooms were used as tabhane — hospices for Sufi dervishes. In a later period, all three rooms were combined into a single prayer hall.
The height of the minaret is 34.5 meters. It has a cylindrical shape and is crowned with a conical tent. At the top are two balconies. The minaret that can be seen today is a restored one — the original was dismantled in 1987.
Of particular interest is the entrance door — a richly decorated marble arch with carved flowers and other ornaments. This portal originally belonged to a funerary monument built by the Hospitaller knights in 1510-1520, which was probably part of the Church of St. John destroyed in 1856. The portal was moved and incorporated into the mosque in 1863.
Turkish Library
Opposite the Suleymaniye Mosque in Rhodes is the Turkish Library, with a unique collection of ancient manuscripts. This is an additional point of interest for those who come to the mosque. The library has a small garden.
Ottoman heritage on the island of Rhodes
After the capture of the island, the Turks generally did not build new buildings but adapted existing ones. Orthodox churches were converted into mosques, and characteristic Turkish elements — cumba (bay windows) — were added to houses. The Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the few exceptions, a building built from scratch. In total, during the Ottoman period, there were 14 mosques in the city, but the Suleymaniye Mosque is the most significant.
Why it is worth seeing, even from the outside
• it is a contrast of cultures: the pink mosque against the backdrop of medieval knightly walls and Gothic windows creates a unique visual series characteristic only of Rhodes.
• it is historical value: the mosque is the main surviving monument of the 400-year Ottoman period of the island.
• the architectural details are of interest: the marble portal made by the Hospitallers, incorporated into an Islamic building; columns from a Christian church; the unusual pink color.
• photography: because the building stands in dense development, it is difficult to capture it entirely, but you can change angles and get interesting shots.
Today, the Suleymaniye Mosque in Rhodes stands in the shadow of its great neighbor — the Palace of the Grand Masters. However, it serves as a reminder that the history of Rhodes is not limited to knights and antiquity. The pink walls, the Gothic portal miraculously incorporated into an Islamic building — these are what remain from the era of the Ottoman Empire.
