We visit Suleymaniye Mosque, largest in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, ruler of the Ottoman Empire from 1520 to 1566. Suleiman spent 10 years fighting in 17 military campaigns. He conquered Belgrade, most of Hungary, and laid siege to Vienna in 1529. His era was considered the Ottoman empire’s high point, the farthest extent of its domain. The Vienna siege failed due to heavy rains, over-extended supply lines, shortage of heavy artillery, and Viennese skillful use of arquebuses (early firearms), long pikes, and defensive positions.

We approach the mosque courtyard in front of the main entrance.

Inside, we view the low-hung lamps, which, in olden-times required refilling with oil. Islamic belief focuses on one God, with the thought that images distract from this idea. As a result, mosques display calligraphy but no human images.

We see a poster explaining Islam to visitors. It portrays the…