The mosque constructed during the reign of Selim II in 1568-1574, is the peak of Classical Islamic architecture and the masterpiece of royal architect Sinan. The 43m high dome with a diameter of 31m, a great achievement in engineering for its period, rests on eight piers connected with wide arches and covers a single centralized space; the exterior form defined with four tall minarets on the corners crowns the city as its most prominent landmark. The decorative programme including a wide range of materials and techniques, presents one of the finest examples of the period as well. The complex also includes two medreses (religious academies), a primary school and a bazaar that belong to the same vaqf.

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