Little Gem
Rüstem Pasha was Süleyman
the Magnificent's
Grand Vezir (Prime Minister),
son-in-law and friend.
As the good subordinate to a
powerful monarch, Rüstem
knew not to challenge his sovereign's architectural
ambitions: the great Süleymaniye
Mosque, dominating the Istanbul skyline,
is the city's largest.
Rather, Rüstem had master Ottoman architect Mimar
Sinan build his small
mosque in the Süleymaniye's
shadow, down the hill in the
market district of Eminönü where Uzunçarşı
Caddesi meets Hasırcılar
Sokak near the Egyptian
(Spice) Market.
Small but beautiful.
In place of grandeur and location,
Rüstem chose exquisite
quality in rich profusion:
the interior of his mosque is
covered in the finest Iznik faience (colored
tiles) ever created.
The Süleymaniye is
an opulent jeweled crown. The Rüstem
Pasha Mosque is
a brooch glittering with small,
fine diamonds.
Don't miss it when you travel
to Turkey. |
