Selimiye Mosque facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Selimiye Mosque |
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Selimiye Camii
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| Religion | |
| Affiliation | Sunni Islam |
| Location | |
| Location | Edirne, Turkey |
 Location in Turkey
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| Architecture | |
| Architect(s) | Mimar Sinan |
| Architectural type | Mosque |
| Architectural style | Ottoman architecture |
| Groundbreaking | 1568 |
| Completed | 1574 |
| Specifications | |
| Height (max) | 43 m (141 ft) |
| Dome dia. (outer) | 31.2 m (102 ft) |
| Minaret(s) | 4 |
| Minaret height | 83 m (272 ft) |
| Materials | cut stone, marble |
| Official name: Selimiye Mosque and its Social Complex | |
| Type | Cultural |
| Criteria | i, iv |
| Designated | 2011 (35th session) |
| Reference no. | 1366 |
| State Party |  Turkey |
| Region | Europe and North America |
The Selimiye Mosque (pronounced Sell-ee-mee-yeh Mos-kew) is a famous mosque located in Edirne, Turkey. It was built a long time ago, between 1569 and 1575, during the time of the Ottoman Empire. A powerful ruler named Sultan Selim II asked for it to be built. The amazing architect who designed it was Mimar Sinan. He thought this mosque was his best work ever! It is seen as one of the greatest examples of Islamic architecture.
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A Masterpiece of Design
The Selimiye Mosque is very special because of its amazing design. Mimar Sinan, the architect, was very old when he built it. He wanted to create something perfect. Many people agree that he succeeded.
The Grand Dome
The main part of the mosque is its huge dome. It is one of the largest domes ever built for a mosque. It sits on top of eight large pillars, making the inside feel very open and grand. Sinan wanted the dome to look like it was floating in the air.
Tall Minarets
The mosque has four very tall, thin towers called minarets. They are about 83 meters (272 feet) high. These minarets are so slender that they look like pencils reaching for the sky. Each minaret has three balconies where people used to call for prayer.
Beautiful Decorations
Inside the Selimiye Mosque, you can see incredible decorations. There are colorful tiles, especially around the main prayer area. These tiles have beautiful patterns and designs. The windows are also very detailed, letting light stream in and create a peaceful atmosphere.
A Complex for the Community
The Selimiye Mosque is not just a mosque. It is part of a larger group of buildings called a "social complex." This complex was built to help the community.
What Was in the Complex?
- Madrasa: This was a school where students learned about religion and other subjects.
- Dar al-Hadith: Another school, specifically for studying the sayings of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Imaret: This was a public kitchen that provided food for the poor and travelers.
- Arasta: A row of shops where people could buy things. The money from these shops helped pay for the upkeep of the mosque and its services.
These buildings show how important it was to provide for everyone in the community during the Ottoman Empire.
Selimiye Mosque Today
Today, the Selimiye Mosque is still an active place of worship. People from all over the world come to see its beauty and learn about its history. It is a very important landmark in Turkey.
World Heritage Site
In 2011, the Selimiye Mosque and its social complex were added to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list. This means it is considered a very important place for all of humanity. It is protected so that future generations can also enjoy its wonder.
