One other important distinction between the Hagia Sophia and the Suleymaniye mosque is that of experience. The contrasting experience of the two sites are based mainly on the disparities between the designers' conceptual intentions. The Hagia Sophia is known for its mystical and mysterious quality. The designers achieved this formally particularly with the use of lighting by having shafts of light placed rhythmically at different heights. This was not Sinan1s intention in designing the Suleymaniye Complex. The description of the entry into the complex found in "Sinan: An Interpretation" by Hans G. Egli reflects clarity rather than mystery: "Twenty steps through the dark passage, the well-lit expanse of the mosque unfolds: the space is felt as unified upon entry and all parts are clearly seen and understood"(p34).
CONCLUSION
Despite the many similarities between the Hagia Sophia and the Suleymaniye both have their separate places in architectural history. By taking the accomplishments of the church and fusing them with the well established Islamic architectural traditions the Suleymaniye Mosque went beyond being a product of inspiration and became an inspiration itself.
LINKS:
Suleymaniye Mosque http://www.planetexplorer.com/ref/landma...
Istanbul Mosques and Churches http://ieiris.cc.boun.edu.tr/ftp/pub/ie1...
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