Suleymaniye Mosque

The Süleymaniye Mosque is one of the most iconic Ottoman-era structures in Rhodes and a key symbol of the island’s diverse cultural history. Perched just above the bustling Hippocrates Square in the heart of the medieval Old Town, it was built in 1522 by order of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent to celebrate the Ottoman conquest of the island. With its soft pinkish-red walls, large domes, and once-towering minaret, the mosque remains an impressive sight even after centuries. Its architecture showcases classic Ottoman design blended with local stonework, offering a unique contrast to the surrounding Gothic and medieval styles of Rhodes. Although the mosque is not open to visitors, its exterior can be viewed and admired from the street, making it a worthwhile stop for photographers and history enthusiasts alike. The structure has been restored several times over the centuries, most recently in the 19th and 20th centuries, preserving its elegance and historical presence. Nearby, you'll also find remnants of other Ottoman landmarks, such as Turkish baths and traditional homes, offering further glimpses into the city’s layered past.

Wonderful mosque 🕌 I am wondering why its not renovated and maintained by the city or even operated. Definitely it would be a great tourism attraction as well

Beautiful mosque but unfortunately it is always closed except for special occasions. There is a beautiful library next to it with a garden and islamic history. Worth a visit.

A beautiful building within the usual surrounding Greek buildings. It gives the old town a diverse character and offers to take a few photos with special characteristics. It is quite difficult to make a full coverage of it, but you can play with angles - be creative!

Beautiful. I wish I could've seen inside it though! There's also a lille islamic mosque library opposite it.

Not open but nice architecture.

Sadly, this mosque, like almost all mosques in Rhodes is in a state of disrepair. This mosque specifically sits at the top of the old quarter and its minaret is visible from far around the quarter. Yet when you go there, there is no way to visit inside, and the courtyard is used as storage and clothing racks are visible. Many other mosques in the city are in a worse decrepit state. With courtyards and buildings broken down and overgrown with vegetation. This really disrupts the general look of cerain parts of the city. I realize Ottoman heritage in Greece is a controversial subject, but by maintaining and repairing Ottoman heritage you are not making a political statement or legitimizing Ottoman occupation. I also feel like pretending 400 years of Ottoman presence never actually happened is a disservice to your own history and people. I have noticed the history surrounding the Knights Hospitallers is exhibited in a much more positive and detailed fashion. This is interesting because the Knights Hospitallers were also considered “foreign invaders” to Rhodos at the time and the Greeks spent years trying to repel them from Rhodos. And this was a time when the latin Christian kingdoms had arguably done as much damage to the Byzantines as the Ottomans did. Either way I was very disappointed with the selective nature of how historical heritage was maintained in Rhodos.

interesting monument, unfortunately always closed. the spaces visible from the outside are very beautiful.