Two Masterpieces of Islamic Architecture Istanbul’s Suleimaniye Mosque, designed by Sinan and commissioned by Suleiman I, was finished in 1557. Its interior (bottom) is especially spacious. The Taj Mahal (top), built about a century later in Agra in northern India, is perhaps the finest example of Mughal architecture. Its white marble exterior is decorated with Arabic inscriptions and floral designs. (mosque: Belinda Images/SuperStock; Taj Mahal: Dinodia/The Bridgeman Art Library)