Selimiye Mosque and Mimar Sinan Statue

Mimar Sinan, officially Koca Mimar Sinan Ağa (c. 1490–1588), is considered the greatest architect of the Ottoman Empire's classical period. He served as chief architect for three sultans: Suleiman I, Selim II, and Murat III. During his nearly 50-year career, he was responsible for the construction of more than 300 buildings, ranging from mosques and bridges to aqueducts and schools.

Born into a Christian family in Anatolia, Sinan was recruited at a young age for the Janissary Corps through the devşirme system. He began his career as a military engineer, quickly rising through the ranks. His experience building bridges and forts during military campaigns throughout the empire, including Baghdad and Egypt, gave him a unique practical knowledge of construction and engineering. In 1538, he was appointed chief architect of the court, a position he held until his death.

Major Works
​Mimar Sinan's architectural legacy is immense and is often divided into three phases:
​Apprenticeship: The Şehzade Mosque, Istanbul.
Sinan considered this mosque, built in memory of the deceased son of Suleyman the Magnificent, his "apprenticeship." Although it was one of his first major projects, it already demonstrates his talent with a perfectly symmetrical floor plan and a large central dome supported by four semi-domes.
​Masterpiece: The Süleymaniye Mosque, Istanbul.
This complex, situated on one of Istanbul's seven hills, is one of his most famous buildings. Sinan considered it his "masterpiece." He designed not only the mosque itself but also the surrounding complex (külliye) with schools, a hospital, a library, and bathhouses. The mosque is known for its harmonious proportions and acoustics so perfect that a whisper inside the mosque can be heard even in the furthest corners.