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Secondary sourcePhotograph24 May 2016

Tomb of Suleiman the Magnificent

R Prazeres · 24 May 2016

A 2016 photograph of the Iznik-tiled entrance to Suleiman's mausoleum in the Süleymaniye complex, Istanbul, his final resting place.

This is Suleiman's actual mausoleum, the physical place where his body was laid to rest after his death.

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Close view of a wall covered in blue, turquoise, red and white Iznik-style ceramic tiles with floral and arabesque patterns, including large scalloped medallions and stylized flowers and leaves.
Mausoleum of Sultan Suleiman, Süleymaniye Mosque complex, Istanbul. Photograph by R Prazeres, 2016.

About this source

What it is

This is a modern photograph, taken in 2016, showing the decorated entrance porch of the mausoleum of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. The tomb stands within the Süleymaniye Mosque complex in Istanbul, and its walls are covered with colourful Iznik-style ceramic tiles.

Why it matters

The mausoleum is where Suleiman, one of the longest-reigning and most powerful Ottoman sultans, was actually buried after his death. The fine tilework shows the wealth and artistic skill of the Ottoman Empire at its height, and the care taken to honour its ruler even in death.

Look closer

  • What do the colours and patterns of the tiles tell you about Ottoman craftsmanship?
  • Why might a sultan's tomb be decorated so elaborately?
  • This photo is recent — how might the site have changed since Suleiman's burial?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Suleiman the Magnificent on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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