Sinan

Sinan is a traditional Turkish masculine given name widely used in Turkey and among Turkish communities abroad. The name is of Turkish origin; its exact linguistic roots are uncertain, but it has become a common personal name in Turkish-speaking cultures.

Notable bearer: Mimar Sinan (c. 1490–1588), born Sinan, was the chief architect of the Ottoman Empire in the mid-16th century. He served under sultans Suleiman the Magnificent, Selim II, and Murad III, and directed a prolific program of construction that defined classical Ottoman architecture. His works include the Süleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul (completed 1557), the Şehzade Mosque (Istanbul, 1543), and the Selimiye Mosque in Edirne (1575), among many other mosques, bridges, and palaces. His architectural innovations—refined use of domes, spatial organization, and slender minarets—had a lasting influence on Ottoman design.

Beyond Mimar Sinan, the given name has been borne by numerous figures in Turkish history and contemporary life, including scholars, politicians, athletes, and artists. Today, Sinan remains a common given name in Turkey and among Turkish communities, and it appears in cultural and popular usages.