Süleymaniye Mosque
Süleymaniye Mosque features on the Gingerguide audio walk through Rhodes. Give it roughly ~30 min: enough to look, hear a two to three minute story on the spot, and ask the AI guide whatever the story leaves open.
- Type religious
- Suggested visit ~30 min
- Rhodes Rhodes guide
About Süleymaniye Mosque
Rose-pink plaster marks the top of Sokratous Street, where the Old Town's first Ottoman mosque still crowns the market, admired from outside since its doors closed in 2014.
The Mosque of Suleiman stands at the western, uphill end of Sokratous Street, the main commercial artery of Rhodes Old Town. Finished in a distinctive rose-pink plaster, it is visible along much of the street's length and is regarded as the most significant surviving Ottoman-era monument in the city. It was the first mosque built in Rhodes after the Ottomans captured the town in the siege of 1522, and it takes its name from Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who led the conquest.
The building seen today was rebuilt in 1808, following the design of the original sixteenth-century mosque on the same site. Its historic minaret was demolished in 1987 owing to structural problems, after which the mosque underwent a lengthy restoration between 1988 and 2005. Since 2014 it has been closed for worship pending further restoration, opening only for special occasions, and it remains one of the defining landmarks of the walled town's skyline.
Did you know? The mosque takes its name from Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who personally led the Ottoman siege that captured Rhodes in 1522; this was the first mosque built inside the conquered town.
How long is a visit to Süleymaniye Mosque?
Set aside roughly ~30 min for Süleymaniye Mosque. That covers a good look and the narrated story, and because you set the pace you can always stay on.
Is Süleymaniye Mosque worth your time?
Süleymaniye Mosque is among the 18 narrated highlights the Gingerguide team chose for Rhodes, so it is worth a look. Hear the story for the context, then ask the AI guide for anything more.
Nearby stops in Rhodes
Sources and further reading
Where to check the facts about Süleymaniye Mosque and read more:
Day 2 of the Rhodes in 2 days itinerary →
Updated:
Hear the story of Süleymaniye Mosque
Preview the Rhodes tour free in the Gingerguide app.