Background in Brief
The mosque was built during period 1569-1575 according to the royal decree of Sultan Selim II, who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1566 to 1574. Legend has it that the reason for it construction was the king's dream of the prophet Mohammed, from whom he receive a holy directive to build a mosque. Another prominent person who played on important role in its construction was Mimar Sinan. He was a skilled architect and high ranking military officer of the empire. He work comprised more than 300 major construction project, including roads, bridges, school and aqueducts. He also assisted in the design and construction of the Taj Mahal in India. Nonetheless, this mosque is recognized as his singly greatest masterpiece.