In this part of the Selimiye series (see first picture for general explanation) one enters the courtyard and approaches the central entrance of the mosque itself. This of course is the courtyard. One should wander around, look at the pillars, the patterns of differently coloured marble...

Mimar Sinan did not repeat the grand entry of Süleymaniye (in Istanbul), but returned to an older tradition of even height of domes. The arcades are remarkably broad as are the portico domes, achieving an effect of great space beautifully articulated as with the lesser vaults beside the cupola before the great door.

Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: ‘Islamic Architecture: Ottoman Turkey’ (Godfrey Goodwin) – London 1977