
Şehzade Social Complex, the biggest building of Sinan the Architect in Istanbul, was commissioned by Süleyman the Magnificent to commemorate his son Sehzade Mehmed who died. Mehmed was Kanuni’s favorite son. The whole complex was built in such a short period of time as four years. This plan scheme which was a turning point in classical Ottoman Architecture was frequently seen in large mosques that Ottoman Sultan made them built in later years. The stirring style of Sinan that is seen in his all other buildings is balanced with rationalism in this one. Attachment of individual units as natural objects, particularly the attachment of minaret and the courtyard to the main building, is a unique mastery.