Art historian Yasin Saygılı talked about Yavuz's contributions to Turkish-Islamic culture.

Academician and art historian Saygılı stated that the 9th sultan of the Ottoman Empire, Yavuz Sultan Selim, brought many artists and craftsmen from Tabriz and Cairo to Istanbul in addition to his victories against both the Safavids and the Mamluks. He explained that Topkapı Palace received significant reinforcement from the East and that the "Ottoman classical style" in the following period was realized thanks to the artists he brought.

Saygılı spoke to an AA correspondent about the importance of Yavuz Sultan Selim among the Ottoman sultans, his conquests, and the cultural legacy that was shaped after him.

Saygılı stated that Yavuz Sultan Selim inherited the throne from his father as the beloved prince of the Janissaries and that he was a conqueror, victorious and successful sultan. He also explained that it was rumoured that Bayezid II prayed for his son Yavuz Sultan Selim, saying, "May your life be as sharp and short as your sword."

Saygılı, who said, "Indeed, Yavuz Sultan Selim passed away in a short and abrupt period of eight years," noted that the rise of the Ottoman Empire began with Mehmed the Conqueror, was consolidated with Yavuz Sultan Selim, and reached its peak with Suleiman the Magnificent.

Saygılı pointed out that the Mamluks were known as the Turkish state and the superpower of the Middle Ages, and continued:

"They also have the title of ruler of the holy lands. Therefore, because their rule encompassed important regions, they were prominent both in terms of prestige and culture. The Safavids, on the other hand, were very powerful militarily. It was also the center of art. Especially after Bayezid I's defeat by Timur, Ottoman art was significantly influenced by the East. In addition to his victories against both the Safavids and the Mamluks, Yavuz Sultan Selim brought many artists and craftsmen from Tabriz and Cairo to Istanbul. The artists and craftsmen at Topkapı Palace received significant reinforcement from the East. The concept we later call the 'Ottoman classical style' was realized thanks to the artists Yavuz brought in," he said.

Yasin Saygılı stated that he could only see the beginning of the mosque that Yavuz had built in his name, and that his son, Kanuni, completed this mosque.

Saygılı emphasized that this mosque was built as the third imperial complex in Istanbul, following the Fatih Mosque and the Bayezid Mosque, saying, "It's located on Istanbul's fifth hill. Istanbul's main axis begins at Hagia Sophia, continues through the Fatih Mosque, and ends at Edirnekapı. This is also the main axis along which sultans would go to gird themselves with their swords during their enthronement ceremonies. Yavuz created an axis outside of Istanbul's main axis at the time. Some say he preferred a corner away from the crowds."

Art historian Yasin Saygılı stated that Mimar Sinan was the person who created the complementary and main points of the Istanbul skyline, and that the architectural culture that Mimar Sinan took from the Eastern and Islamic world began to form during the reign of Yavuz Sultan Selim.

Saygılı underlined that artists, especially those coming from the East during the reign of Yavuz, shaped the Ottoman classical style over the years, and stated the following:

The conquest of Egypt, Syria, and the Haramain region, in particular, provided significant economic benefits to foundations. A large portion of the imperial complexes constructed in the subsequent period were built under the influence of the economic flows from the conquests. These conquests also contributed to cultural traditions. For example, on the 15th of Ramadan, there is a pilgrimage to the Mantle of the Holy Sheriff at the Ottoman Palace. When he conquered the Hijaz, he had the Friday sermon delivered from the Hakim'ül Haremeyn to the Servant of the Holy Sheriff. The Sanjak-ı Şerif, Sakalı-ı Şerif, and Hırka-ı Şerif brought from there constitute the 'Chamber of Sacred Relics' in Topkapı Palace. Yavuz Sultan Selim had a significant impact on the formation of a 300-400-year-old tradition.

Saygılı pointed out that the most important reason why Suleiman the Magnificent experienced the "Magnificent Century" was that Yavuz filled the Ottoman treasury economically.

Saygılı, noting that Ottoman sultans were known as men who struck, broke, and dismembered, who only went to war and made great conquests, said, "They were also distinguished individuals, not only as commanders and state administrators, but also as noblemen. These people were also educated in literature, poetry, and language and culture from the time they were princes. They were trained not only with the sword and shield, but also with the pen, and they were all poets."

Saygılı added that Yavuz Sultan Selim frequently talked about how he disliked dressing grandly and preferred simple and modest clothes during his tours.