The daunting 180 minutes are fortunately broken down into six 30-minute episodes. Modern footage is used extensively and comfortably, interwoven with miniatures, paintings and artifacts of the 16th century. This is a broad-gauge leisurely stroll through Ottoman history as well as a detailed commentary and scanning of many of the nearly 500 buildings and bridges designed by Sinan, Chief Architect to four Sultans. Viewers unfamiliar with Ottoman history and geography will have great difficulty coping with the names of the towns, rivers and rulers as well as with the names of particular buildings.
Maps are sparse.
His parents were Christian. Sinan was conscripted by the devshirme in 1512 and sent to Istanbul. Both are in Istanbul. The Selimiye mosque complex in Edirne is viewed in detail. Under Murad III Sinan built a mosque in central Anatolia and several in Uskudar.