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Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Home → Istanbul, Turkey → Blue Mosque, Istanbul

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The cascading domes and six slender minarets of the Blue Mosque (Turkish; Sultanahmet Camii) dominate the skyline of Istanbul. In the 17th century, Sultan Ahmet I wished to build an Islamic place of worship that would be even better than the Hagia Sophia, and the mosque named for him is the result. The two great architectural achievements now stand next to each other in Istanbul’s main square, and it is up to visitors to decide which is more impressive.

History

The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I when he was only 19 years old. It was built near the Hagia Sophia, over the site of the ancient Hippodrome and Byzantine imperial palace (whose mosaics can be seen in the nearby Mosaic Museum). Construction work began in 1609 and took seven years.

The mosque was designed by architect Mehmet Aga, whose unfortunate predecessor was found wanting and executed. Sultan Ahmet was so anxious for his magnificent creation to be completed that he often assisted in the work. Sadly, he died just a year after the completion of his masterpiece, at the age of 27. He is buried outside the mosque with his wife and three sons.

The original mosque complex included a madrasa, a hospital, a han, a primary school, a market, an imaret and the tomb of the founder. Most of these buildings were torn down in the 19th century.

What to See

One of the most notable features of the Blue Mosque is visible from far away: its six minarets. This is very unique, as most mosques have four, two, or just one minaret. According to one account, the Sultan directed his architect to make gold (altin) minarets, which was misunderstood as six (alti) minarets.

Whatever the origins of the unique feature, the six minarets caused quite a scandal, as the Haram Mosque in Mecca (the holiest in the world) also had six minarets. In the end, the sultan solved the problem by sending his architect to Mecca to add a seventh minaret.

The other striking feature of the exterior is the beautifully-arranged cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the great central dome. The arcades running beneath each dome add further visual rhythm. None of the exterior is blue – the name “Blue Mosque” comes from the blue tiles inside.

The main west entrance is beautifully decorated and very much worth a look. However, to preserve the mosque’s sanctity, non-worshippers are required to use the north entrance, off the Hippodrome. Hanging from this gate are symbolic chains that encourage everyone, even the sultan who entered on horseback, to bow his or her head upon entering.

Inside, the high ceiling is lined with the 20,000 blue tiles that give the mosque its popular name. Fine examples of 16th-century Iznik design, the oldest tiles feature flowers, trees and abstract patterns. The overall effect is one of the most beautiful sights in Istanbul. The Iznik tiles can be seen in the galleries and and on the north wall above the main entrance. The remaining tiles, which have a less delicate design, were made in Kütahya.

The interior is lit with 260 windows, which were once filled with 17th-century stained glass. Sadly, this has been lost and replaced with inferior replicas.

Festivals and Events

On summer evenings at 9pm, there is a historical narrative and a light show at the Blue Mosque. The commentaries are given in Turkish, English, French and German on various evenings.


Istanbul Travel Guide

  • Bosphorus, Istanbul
  • Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora
  • Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul
  • Etz Ahayim Synagogue
  • Galata Tower, Istanbul
  • Golden Horn
  • Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
  • Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
  • Hippodrome, Istanbul
  • Istanbul Archaeology Museum
  • Istanbul Jewish Cemetery
  • Neve Shalom Synagogue, Istanbul
  • Spice Bazaar, Istanbul
  • Suleymaniye Mosque Istanbul
  • Topkapi Palace, Istanbul
  • Underground Cistern, Istanbul
  • Zulfaris Synagogue
  • Beylerbeyi Palace
  • Rumelihisari (Fortress)
  • Camlica Hill
  • Bosphorus Bridge
  • Istanbul Mosaic Museum
  • Church of the Holy Apostles
  • Eyup Mosque and Mausoleum
  • Beyazit Camii
  • Fatih Camii
  • Fethiye Camii “Pammakaristos Church”
  • Hagia Eirene
  • Orthodox Patriarchate and Cathedral
  • Sts Sergius and Bacchus
  • Yeni Camii
  • Zeyrek Camii “Church of the Pantocrator”
  • Prince’s Islands
  • Mosque of Rustem Pasha
  • Galata Bridge
  • Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts
  • Miniatürk
  • Istanbul Modern Museum
  • Galata Mevlevihanesi
  • Pierre Loti
  • Istanbul, Turkish Baths
  • Walk through Istiklal Street
  • Tunnel
  • Military Museum
  • Port of Istanbul
  • City Walls of Istanbul
  • Maiden’s Tower
  • Harem
  • Tofre Begadim Synagogue
  • Yıldız Park
  • Bulgarian St. Stephen Church
  • Ahrida (Ohrid) Synagogue, Istanbul
  • Ashkenazi Synagogue, Istanbul
  • Balat, Istanbul
  • Blue Mosque, Istanbul
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Rating: +6666 (from 6666 votes)
Blue Mosque, Istanbul, 100% based on 6666 ratings
68 Reviews
  1. GoBruiserGo
    1:12 pm on December 26, 2012

    The Blue Mosque really blew us away!! The colorful painted walls and ceiling will take your breath away.

    Reply
  2. MysticYears
    7:24 am on July 15, 2013

    I highly, and I do mean highly… recommend experiencing the "Call to Prayer" while sitting on a bench in the plaza or park area between the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. "The Call" comes from both of these two great mosques as well as others more distant. The chat starts at very slightly different moments and the individuals calling…

    Reply
  3. Scrippsmater
    10:12 am on August 28, 2013

    We did not go inside the mosque since we were there just before Friday noon (Jumma) prayers but we were overawed at the way the outside of the mosque was being readied for the thousands of Istanbul residents who come there for noon prayers.

    Reply
  4. bnghanem
    9:24 pm on September 9, 2013

    you should definitely visit once in your lifetime

    Reply
  5. Florian254
    11:52 am on October 13, 2013

    A definite must see in Istanbul and hard to miss just opposite of the Hagia Sophia. If you like this you must not miss the Sülemanye Mosque.
    As ist is a live Mosque the rules about proper dress code apply.

    There are praying times during which the Mosque is closed for tourists. !

    Reply
  6. love-me
    10:24 am on October 19, 2013

    Worth a visit, though having visited other Mosques I was surprised that it was carpeted. Maybe it had just been cleaned & still damp but it did have quite a strong smell so didn't linger too long.

    Reply
  7. Lou2800
    11:07 pm on October 25, 2013

    Worth a day spent walking around. Lots to see and do and of course lots to buy. Can't go home without a couple of rugs!

    Reply
  8. Ke-lly
    9:06 pm on November 23, 2013

    “Turkey is indeed one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Istanbul is the best city to visit for a tourist ! It has all the wonders one would like to see…. These mosques are only few sites of interest…. The Orient and the Occident breath together… The modern runs after the antiques… The Black Sea, the amazing Bosphorous and the Marmara Sea hugs Istanbul like an amazing lover…The Goden Horn kisses her shores and her seven hills are the guardian of her undeniable beauty….”

    Reply
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ephesus tours

The big tip is to try and go completely private. Many of the large tour companies offer private tour and they are going to charge a significant amount of money for the tour guide. However, many locations offer self-guided tours and therefore you have the ability to supply your own tour guide. Easily Book your guided private Ephesus tours, to see all the treasures of Ephesus Turkey. It's often said that Turkey has more ancient cities and classical ruins than does Greece. Well, it's true, and the Aegean coast holds a great number of sites, including Ephesus, the grandest and best-preserved of them all.

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