Turkish architect Mimar Sinan
Although the exact year of his birth is still disputed, the brilliance of Turkish architect Mimar Sinan, which translates as Sinan the architect, is not. Fathered by a stonemason, Mimar Sinan became a military engineer in the Ottoman Empire where he rose through the ranks to become first an officer and finally a commander in the Janissary, the Sultan’s private guard.
Mimar Sinan was given the honorific title of ağa, or agha as it is known in English, meaning chief, master or lord. While on campaigns with the Janissaries he refined his architectural and engineering skills, becoming expert at constructing fortifications, roads, bridges and aqueducts.
At about the age of fifty, he was appointed to the position of chief royal architect. In this capacity he produced many of the projects for which he is still famous today, such as his masterpiece the Selimiye mosque in Edirne. In the course of his life Mimar Sinan was responsible for the construction of more than 300 major structures as well as other less well known buildings, including schools. His apprentices went on to design many famous buildings such as the Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) and Suleymaniye Mosques in Istanbul, and the Stari Most in Mostar.
Some of Mimar Sinan’s best known works in Istanbul
Want to see the works of Mimar Sianan for yourself? Here are my handy tips to plan your trip to Turkey
Before you even buy your plane ticket, check whether you need an EVISA to enter Turkey. Here’s my post on everything to know before you take off, including how to buy one from the government website so you don’t pay extra. Once you land, you’ll need to head to your hotel. I’m a big advocate of public transport, but know it’s not suitable for everyone all the time. When I need to be picked up from or get to Istanbul Airport or Sabiha Gokcen Airport, I use MELON TAXI AIRPORT TRANSFERS.
Naturally you’ll want to stay connected and eSIM are the way to go, wherever you travel. I recommend Truely, an eSIM provider working with local telcos. You can buy it before or after you arrive in Turkey, a convenience other esim providers no longer offer and can opt for 1 to as many days as you need, instead of being limited to 7, 15 or 30 days. Plus you can reload as you need. Truely eSIM are straightforward to install and activate but if you have any problems their responsive Whatsapp customer service is available 24/7.
Use my code: insideoutinistanbul and get 5% off when you order through the Truely website.
Even if I never claim on it, I always take out TRAVEL INSURANCE. I recommend Visitors Coverage. If you’re travelling alone, check out this post on useful solo travel tips Turkey for women (and men).
Now that all the serious stuff is out of the way, it’s time to have fun on CITY TOURS & DAY TRIPS. Let me guide you around Kadikoy with my audio walking tour Stepping back through Chalcedon or venture further afield with my guidebook Istanbul 50 Unsung Places. I know you’ll love visiting the lesser-known sites I’ve included. It’s based on using public transport as much as possible so you won’t be adding too much to your carbon footprint.
Browse the GetYourGuide website or Viator to find dozens of ways to experience Istanbul and Turkey with food tours, visits to the old city and evening Bosphorus cruises. If you prefer a more personal touch, I also offer bespoke author walks.
Then, back home, read about what you’ve seen and experienced in my three essay collections and memoir about moving to Istanbul permanently.
However you travel, stay safe and have fun! Iyi yolculuklar.
