The Takiya Soulaymania stands in a fine garden. Built in 1560, six years before the neighbouring madrasa, it marked the emergence of the Ottoman style in Damascus. It was constructed in honour of Suleiman the Magnificent by the brilliant architect Sinan. A takiya (tekke in Turkish) is a dervish monastery; the occupants lived in cells around the pool. The tympanum of each door is adorned with fine earthenware tiles. Slender cylindrical minarets rise on either side of the domed prayer hall, preceded by a double portico.