Upon Sultan Selim the Grim’s commission, Sinan undertook extensive work to rebuild Jerusalem. He overseered the construction and repair of the city walls and gates. He installed a water supply system, including many sabil roadside fountains and restored the Western Wall. The latter is considered the most complete and finest city wall built anywhere in the world in the 16th century (length 3,800 metres, with towers about 4,325 metres). The Armenian architect also designed the Damascus Gate, to this day the major entry point to the Old City. But Sinan’s main achievement was the redesign of the interior and exterior of the Dome of the Rock, and replacing the walls of the sanctuary with glazed porcelain tiles from Iznik. (“Illustrated History of Jerusalem” by Meir Ben-Dov).

Upon Sultan Selim the Grim’s commission, Sinan undertook extensive work to rebuild Jerusalem. He overseered the construction and repair of the city walls and gates. He installed a water supply system, including many sabil roadside fountains and restored the Western Wall. The latter is considered the most complete and finest city wall built anywhere in the world in the 16th century (length 3,800 metres, with towers about 4,325 metres). The Armenian architect also designed the Damascus Gate, to this day the major entry point to the Old City. But Sinan’s main achievement was the redesign of the interior and exterior of the Dome of the Rock, and replacing the walls of the sanctuary with glazed porcelain tiles from Iznik. (“Illustrated History of Jerusalem” by Meir Ben-Dov).