Istanbul was founded in 667 BC by Greeks and became Byzantine Empire's capital. Sultan Ahmed I commissioned mosque construction in 1609-1616. Construction was funded from state treasury, unlike previous mosques
Bernard Berenson praised Seljuk architecture as surpassing French Gothic. Architecture combines rectilinear design with subtle majestic beauty. Buildings feature monumental stone portals with muqarnas hoods. Decorative work combines stone carving with colorful glazed tiles
Located on Istanbul's 5th hill overlooking Golden Horn. Second oldest imperial mosque in Istanbul. Built in 1527/8 by architect Alaüddin for Sultan Suleiman. Located on terrace overlooking Cistern of Aspar