Atik Sinan was an Ottoman Greek architect for Sultan Mehmed II in 15th century. He designed Istanbul's first selatin mosque, Fatih Mosque, in 1471. His nephew built Bayezid II Mosque. Sultan Mehmed II granted Sinan's mother St. Mary of the Mongols' church
Istanbul was founded by Ancient Thracians in 1000 BCE. Constantine moved Roman Empire's capital to Byzantium in 330 CE. Byzantine Empire ruled from 500 to 12th century. Ottoman Empire conquered Constantinople in 1453
Born in 1490 CE in Kayseri to Greek Christian family. Joined military service as janissary at age 21. Trained as military engineer and traveled extensively. Became chief court architect in 1538 CE
Built between 1823-1826 by Mahmud II to rebuild Tophane artillery barracks. Named Nusretiye after sultan's abolition of janissary troops. Designed by Krikor Balyan, first of nine Armenian Balyan family architects. Restored between 1955-1958 and 1980-1992
Sultan Hassan (1359) combines mosque, madrassa and four religious schools. Al Azhar (970) is world's oldest Islamic theology center. Al Rifai (1869-1912) houses royal tombs and Sheikh Al Rifai's tomb. Khanqah of Faraj ibn Barquq (1411) features mosque and two sultan's mausoleums