Suleymaniye Mosque
 

The Suleymaniye is the largest square based semidomed mosque (3100m2) have been designed by Sinan. The two semidomes are situated in the direction oF the mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca), a plan we see in Saint Sophia and later in the Beyazid Mosque (1506). Sinan had a very strong desire to surpass Saint Sophia, which was very much admired by the Turks.it may have been at the sultan's request that he opted for a plan similar to that of Saint Sophia. However, if the two buildings are indeed similar in terms of their general plan, the Suleymaniye is superior to Saint Sophia in terms of proportions  space and the rationality of the bearing system, as well as both its interior and exterior perception. The differences between the two religions in their approach to space has also had its impact on the building.The transition between the central and lateral naves is provided by two small and one large arch. The same rhythm can be noticed on the lateral facade.