The Selimiye is the greatest of all the Ottoman mosque complexes, the apogee of an art form and the culmination of a life's ambition for its architect, Sinan. Built on a slight hill, he mosque is a prominent landmark. ıts complex includes a medrese, now housing the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts, a school and the Kavaflar Arasta, a covered bazaar.
Selim II commissioned the mosque. It was begun in 1569 and completed in 1575, a year after his death. The dome was Sinan's prodest achievement. In his memoirs, he wrote: "With the help of Allah and the favour of Sultan Selim Khan, I have succeeded in building a cupola siz cubits wider and four cubits deeper then that of Haghia Sophia." In fact, the dome is comparable in diameter and slightly shallower than the building Sinan had so longed to surpass.
Dome
The 43 m(141 ft) dome ominats the interior of the mosque. Not even the flori paintwork the original 16th century decoration underwent restoration in the 19 th century ,detracts from its effect.
Mindar
Many experts claim that Selimiye minbar, with its conical tiled cap, is the finest in Turkey. ıts lace-like side panels are exquisitely carved.
Minarets
The mosque's four slender minarets tower to abeight of 84m (275 ft) Each one has three balconies. The two northern minarets contain three intertwining staircases, each one leading to a different balcony.
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