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When to visit Süleymaniye Mosque | Opening hours & prayer times

Today

Open 09:00–18:30

Last Admission

18:00

Süleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye Mosque is open to visitors daily from 8:30am to 6:45pm, except during prayer times when access to the main hall is restricted to worshippers.

Jan 1 TO Dec 31 Timings

Days (Jan 1 TO Dec 31)

TIMINGS

Last Admission

Monday09:00–18:3018:00
Tuesday09:00–18:3018:00
Wednesday09:00–18:3018:00
Thursday (Today)09:00–18:3018:00
Friday14:30–18:3018:00
Saturday09:00–18:3018:00
Sunday09:00–18:3018:00

Best time to visit the Süleymaniye Mosque

Weekday vs Weekend

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

Sun

Pleasant
Crowded
Very Crowded
Closed

Peak season vs low season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Off Season
Moderate Season
Peak Season

How long should I spend at the Süleymaniye Mosque?

Suleymaniye Mosque with minarets in Istanbul, part of the Mosques Walking Tour.

Plan to spend around 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at the Süleymaniye Mosque to truly appreciate everything the complex offers.

  • Main prayer hall (approximately 20 to 30 minutes): Start your visit in the grand prayer hall, where Sinan’s design, marked by a soaring dome, marble pillars, and soft sunlight, creates a serene sense of divine harmony.
  • Mausoleums and complex (approximately 20 to 30 minutes): Stroll through the nearby türbes (mausoleums) of Sultan Suleiman and his wife Hürrem Sultan in the historic külliye, once home to schools, a library, a hospital, and a hammam.
  • Courtyard and gardens (approximately 15 to 20 minutes): If you’re a photography enthusiast, don't miss the outer gardens, offering stunning panoramic views of the Golden Horn and Bosphorus, especially at sunset.

For those who enjoy diving deeper into history and architecture, guided tours can extend your visit to around 1.5 to 2 hours, offering rich stories about Mimar Sinan’s genius, the mosque’s construction techniques, and its symbolic layout.

Visitor tips & guidelines

  • Dress modestly, as it is an active place of worship. Men should avoid wearing shorts, and women should cover their heads, shoulders, and legs. Free scarves are sometimes available at the entrance, but it is best to bring your own.
  • Shoes must be removed before entering the prayer hall. Bring or carry a small bag to store them, as you will enter and exit through the same area.
  • The mosque closes briefly during each of the five daily prayers. Check prayer times in advance or plan your visit between prayers to avoid waiting outside.
  • Photography is allowed, but always be respectful and avoid taking photos of people praying. Don’t use flash inside the prayer hall, as it can disturb worshippers.
  • Visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon for fewer crowds and softer natural light that beautifully illuminates the interiors.
  • If you are visiting during Ramadan, note that the mosque can get very busy around sunset as people gather for iftar, the evening meal to break the fast.

Frequently asked questions about Süleymaniye Mosque’s opening hours

What are the mosque's opening hours?

Süleymaniye Mosque is open daily from 9am to 6pm, except during prayer times when the mosque closes temporarily to visitors.

Is the mosque open every day?

Yes, Süleymaniye Mosque is open every day of the week, including weekends and public holidays, as it remains an active place of worship.

Can I visit Süleymaniye Mosque during prayer times?

Visitors are not allowed inside during prayer times to respect worshippers, but you can enter again once prayers are finished, usually after about 30 minutes.

What are the daily prayer times at Süleymaniye Mosque?

Prayer times vary daily according to sunrise and sunset, but the main prayers are held at Fajr (dawn), Dhuhr (noon), Asr (afternoon), Maghrib (sunset), and Isha (night).

Is the mosque open on Fridays?

Yes, the mosque is open on Fridays, but it is closed to tourists during the main Friday prayer (around noon) and reopens shortly after the service ends.

How long does Friday prayer last at Süleymaniye Mosque?

Friday prayers typically last about 30 to 45 minutes, and visitors can enter once the congregation has finished and the mosque is open again.

When is the best time to visit Süleymaniye Mosque?

The best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon, when it is quieter and the sunlight enhances the beauty of the interiors and the views over the Golden Horn.

Are there specific visiting hours during Ramadan?

During Ramadan, visiting hours remain similar, but the mosque may close slightly earlier in the evening to prepare for the Tarawih prayers after sunset.

Can visitors enter during special religious events?

During major Islamic holidays such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, the mosque may be closed to visitors during morning prayers but reopens later in the day.

How early should I arrive before closing time?

Plan to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before closing to have enough time to explore the interior and courtyards without feeling rushed.

Are there guided tours available after prayer times?

Yes, Süleymaniye Mosque guided tours are available throughout the day, usually starting shortly after prayer times, allowing visitors to explore the mosque and its complex in depth.

More reads

Suleymaniye Mosque interior with ornate domes and arches, Istanbul tour.

Süleymaniye Mosque interiors

Courtyard of Suleymaniye Mosque with domes and arches, Istanbul tour.

Süleymaniye Mosque tickets & tours

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Süleymaniye Mosque location & directions

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