Sinan's Suleymaniye Complex in Damascus welcomes worshippers again

Türkiye's Ambassador to Damascus, Dr. Nuh Yılmaz, attended the first Friday prayer held at the Suleymaniye Complex, designed by Mimar Sinan, in 15 years. After the prayer, Yılmaz met with Syria's Minister of Awqaf, Abu al-Khair al-Shukri.

The Turkiye Times Editorial DeskNovember 06, 2026, 06:31 PMUpdated: November 06, 2026, 06:38 PM

Sinan's Suleymaniye Complex in Damascus welcomes worshippers again

The historic Suleymaniye Complex in Damascus, the capital of Syria, welcomed worshippers again after 15 years. Türkiye's Ambassador to Damascus, Dr. Nuh Yılmaz, attended the first Friday prayer held at the complex after a lengthy interval. The embassy shared photographs from the prayer on its official social media account.

After the prayer, Ambassador Yılmaz met with Syria's Minister of Awqaf, Abu al-Khair al-Shukri. In a statement, the embassy described the complex as a "legacy of the ancestors" and said its reopening for worship was a meaningful development that would help recall the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties between Türkiye and Syria and preserve their shared civilizational heritage.

Ambassador Nuh Yılmaz greeting worshippers after Friday prayer at the Suleymaniye Complex

Designed by Mimar Sinan on Süleyman the Magnificent's orders

The Suleymaniye Complex, one of Damascus's landmarks, was built in the 16th century on the orders of Süleyman the Magnificent and designed by Mimar Sinan. With its domed mosque, two slender and elegant minarets, and variegated stone arches reflecting the Damascus style, the complex is regarded as one of the most important examples of Ottoman architecture in the Arab world.

The embassy expressed hope that the complex's return to the call to prayer, worship and congregational life would help restore this valuable work as one of the key meeting places for religious, cultural and social life.

Photographs: Embassy of the Republic of Türkiye in Damascus