Why visit / Interesting facts:
- World-known landmark
- Impressive and unique mosque with six minarets
Time required: 45 minutes
Opening hours:
| Time period | Opening hours |
|---|---|
| Daily: | 9am - 6pm |
Admission:
| Ticket type | Charge |
|---|---|
| General: | Free |
Public transport:
- Tram Line T1: Sultanahmet stop
Address: Sultan Ahmet Mh., Tavukhane Sokak 5, Istanbul
Photos: (see more photos)
Photo: myhsu
Things you need to know:
- Blue Mosque is a grandiose mosque in Istanbul. It was completed in 1616 and is considered the last imperial mosque of the city
- Sultan Ahmet I commissioned the building. His intention was to surpass both Süleymaniye Mosque and Hagia Sophia
- In an attempt to emphasize Islam's superiority over Christianity, the larger Blue Mosque was built opposite Hagia Sophia (a former Byzantine church) on the site of the Byzantine royal palace
- The architect's name was Mehmet Aga. He was a student of the Ottoman star architect Sinan
- Only two mosques have 6 minarets: the Blue Mosque and the central mosque of Mecca, the Islamic holy city. The latter now has 7 to emphasize its status
- Officially it is called Sultanahmet Camii (Mosque of Sultan Ahmet). The nickname 'Blue Mosque' was given because of the blue İznik tiles that decorate its interior
- The central dome is 43 m (140 ft) high and 23,5 m (77 ft) in diameter. Over 20,000 blue tiles adorn its walls
What to do there:
- Admire the beautifully-arranged cascade of domes
- Non-worshippers are required to use the north entrance, off the Hippodrome
- Remove your shoes before entering. Put them in a plastic bag (available at the entrance). You can put the bag with the shoes on a shelf provided
- Admire the breathtaking interior decorated by masses of beautifully designed blue, green, yellow and red tiles
- Enjoy the special atmosphere
Tips & Insights:
- Modest dress is required both for women and men
- It is considered polite for a woman to cover her head when entering a mosque. We recommend bringing your own scarf
- The mosque is impressively illuminated in the evening
