Kodja Mimar Sinan (1489-1578) was one of the greatest of the Ottoman architects. His many buildings include some of the most famous landmarks of the Turkish Empire.

Sinan was born in Kaisariya, Anatolia, the son of Greek Christians, on April 15, 1489. His father's name is unknown, but over his non-Turkish origin no doubt has arisen. Caught up in one of the periodic Ottoman levies aimed at drawing off healthy young minority males, who might become revolutionaries, and turning their energies instead into state service, the youthful Sinan was converted to Islam and became a Janissary. He distinguished himself in this famed military service.

Following the 1521-1522 campaigns against Belgrade and Rhodes, Sinan became chief firework operator. During the war with Persia (1534) he contrived an ingenious ferry operation for the successful transporting of troops across Lake Van. Repeatedly promoted, he was a police magistrate at the time of a Turkish...