Excursion Route 4 - From Eminönü to Azapkapı…

Rüstem Paşa Complex, Süleymaniye Complex, Şehzadebaşı Complex, Azapkapı Sokulu Complex

Starting at Eminönü and walking in the direction of Şehzadebaşı can turn into a path of Sinan’s masterpieces.  The Rüstem Pasha Mosque, world famous for its tiles, the Süleymaniye, which Sinan described as part of his “master-builder period work”, and the Şehzade Mosque, he had characterized as work from his “apprenticeship period”, can all be seen along this route.
 

Rüstem Paşa Mosque : Volunteers resting in the courtyard
Before starting on such an experience, prepare yourself for a day that will be quite fulfilling by stopping on the Galata Bridge that once connected the Istanbul’s westernized  and oriental quarters. Take in the silhouettes of the Süleymaniye and the Rüstem Pasha Mosques, rising above the ragged roofs over the Golden Horn as well as the shops along the tangled streets surround the bearing walls of the Rüstem Pasha Mosque.  Stairs cramped in between will take you from the chaos of the worldly market there into the serenity of a different realm.  As you enter the Mosque, you will find yourself in a Garden of Eden, luminous with Iznik tiles all around.
 
The uphill road starting right in front of the court of the Rüstem Pasha Mosque leads to the cemetery area of the Süleymaniye Mosque.  The Süleymaniye Complex is vast, like a small town.  Currently, many of the buildings that make up the complex can be viewed from the outside only.  Without doubt, the most dramatic building within this complex is the Süleymaniye Mosque.  If you wish, you can spend hours inside this building, which is among the most impressive structures of the world.   Also, do not overlook stopping by the modest tomb of Sinan that the architect built for himself. 
 
When you start to feel hungry, you can rest and enjoy a variety of dishes including a special white bean meal at the restaurant on the east corner of the Süleymaniye complex.
 

The Dome of the Süleymaniye Mosque which is built on one of the 7 hills of İstanbul
The walk from Süleymaniye to Şehzadebaşı takes about ten minutes. You can experience the impressive acoustics of the mosque by witnessing the regular afternoon Quran recitals.
 
If you wish to continue on after your visit to the Şehzade Mosque, you can first walk to the Barbaros Hayrettin Pasha (Tiled) bath-house.  You can complete your excursion by visiting  the Azapkapı Sokullu Mosque located at the Galata side of the Golden Horn.
 

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