Mihrimah Sultan Mosque (Edirnekapı)

Overview

The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque at Edirnekapı, designed by Mimar Sinan, crowns the highest point of the old city's land walls. Its massive single dome floats above 161 stained-glass windows, flooding the interior with light.

Highlights

• Luminous interior: 161 windows—more than any other Sinan mosque—create an ethereal brightness.
• City-wall views: The mosque sits atop the Theodosian Walls with sweeping westward views.
• Equinox alignment: On the spring and autumn equinox, sunlight passes between the Edirnekapı and Üsküdar Mihrimah mosques—a design legend celebrates this as Sinan's love letter to the princess.

History

Commissioned by Princess Mihrimah, favourite daughter of Süleyman the Magnificent, the mosque was completed around 1565 and is considered one of Sinan's most innovative designs.

Visitor Tips

• Tip: Visit at noon for the full effect of the light-filled interior.
• Duration: 15–25 minutes.