Sultan Suleiman ruled Ottoman Empire for 46 years. His father Selim I conquered Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem and Egypt. Suleiman ascended throne peacefully as only son
Ottoman Empire (1299-1922) unified Islamic and Eastern Christian worlds. Mehmet II established Istanbul as capital in 15th century. Hagia Sophia was converted from church to mosque by Mehmet II. Topkapi palaces served as imperial residences and administrative centers
Built for Nurbanu Sultan, first effective Ottoman queen mother. Construction began in 1571, completed in 1586 after Nurbanu's death. Foundation established in 1583 with taxes from Kurdish tribes
Ottoman architecture emerged in northwest Anatolia in late 13th century. Early mosques featured complete façades and domes. Bursa became major Ottoman capital from 1326 to 1402. Three main types of mosques: single-domed, T-plan, and multi-unit
Built in 1563-1570 by Mimar Sinan for Mihrimah Sultan, Suleiman's daughter. Located on Sixth Hill near Istanbul's highest point. Second and larger mosque in Mihrimah Sultan's family's complex
Mehmed II (Fatih) conquered Constantinople at age 21 and established religious freedoms. Murad II transformed empire's economy through trade and infrastructure projects. Selim I expanded empire to 3.4 million km² and earned title of Caliph. Bayezid II consolidated authority and increased Ottoman navy