Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques in the world and one of very few to
have six minarets. Photo Helen Betts. See many more views in our Blue Mosque Photo
Gallery.


Side view of the Blue Mosque at dawn. Photo Tim O'Brien.


Rear (east) view of the exterior. Photo cactusbones.


The Blue Mosque's magical cascading domes. Photo Helen Betts.


The Blue Mosque at night during Ramadan. Photo khoogheem.


Sweeping view of the interior. Photo Damon Lynch.


A beautifully tiled dome in the Blue Mosque. Photo Helen Betts.


More exquisite blue tiles that give the mosque its name. Helen Betts.


Detail of tiles and windows of a dome. Photo Helen Betts.


Side view with one of the minarets. Photo David Bjorgen.


President Obama removes his shoes before entering the Blue Mosque, April 7, 2009. Official
White House photo by Pete Souza.



The cascading domes and six slender minarets of the Sultanahmet Mosque (better
known as the "Blue Mosque") 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
Ktahya.
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.
Quick Facts
Site Information
Names: Blue Mosque; Sultanahmet Camii;
Sultanahmet Mosque
Location: Istanbul, Turkey
Faith: Islam
Category: Mosques
Architecture: Ottoman
Date: 1609-16
Patron(s): Sultan Ahmet I
Architect: Mehmet Aga
Size: Interior: 53m x 51m
Dome diameter: 23.5m
Dome height: 43m
Features: Medieval Tiles
Status: active
Photo gallery: Blue Mosque Photo Gallery
Visitor Information
Address: Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Coordinates: 41.005277 N, 28.976827 E (view on
Google Maps)
Lodging: View hotels near this location
Phone: (0212) 518 1319
Public transport: Tram: Sultanahmet
Opening hours: Daily 9am-6pm except during prayer
times (about 30 min. five times a day)
and midday on Fridays
Cost: Free
Rules: Tourists must enter through the north
gate and remove their shoes at the
entrance (plastic bags for shoes are
provided). Modest dress is required for
both men and women; women must
cover their heads. Wraps are provided
when deemed necessary by mosque
officials.

Note: This information was accurate when published and we do our best to keep it updated, but
details such as opening hours can change without notice. To avoid disappointment, please
check with the site directly before making a special trip.
Travel Resources
Istanbul Map - our detailed interactive map of
Istanbul, plus hand-picked links to more
Istanbul Hotels - check availability, maps,
photos and reviews, and book at the
guaranteed lowest price
Istanbul Guided Tours - sightseeing tours and
activities in Istanbul
Istanbul Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by
comparing multiple car companies at a glance
Location Map
Below is a location map and aerial view of Blue Mosque. Using the buttons on the left,
zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to
move around. For a larger view, see our Istanbul Map.





Imagery 2011 , Map data 2011 - Terms of Use

Map
Satellite
Hybrid
Article Sources
1. Bernard McDonagh, Blue Guide Turkey, 3rd
ed. (London: A&C Black, 2001), 64-65.
2. Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) -
Frommer's Turkey
3. Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey - Turkey Travel
Planner
More Information
Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) -
TripAdvisor
Reviews and photos from fellow travelers
Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque) -
Columbus Guides
Brief, informative description and visitor
information.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) -
Istanbul Info Link
History, description, and two nice photos.
Blue Mosque - Around the World in 80 Clicks
Nice account of the mosque's beauty and
features, with lovely photos.
Henry Matthews, Mosques of Istanbul (2005).