Sultan Ahmet Mosque, which is known as the "Blue Mosque" abroad due to the color of the eye-catching patterns adorning the interior walls, is shown as one of the most successful examples of Turkish-Islamic architecture.
Bringing a whole new perspective to the culture of the Ottoman mosque with the architectural approach preferred in its construction, the building is one of the stops to be seen in the Historical Peninsula tour.
A mosque that gives its name to a district in all its aspects…
The mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet I in the 17th century and was built between 1609-1616. The most important feature of the Blue Mosque is that it has 6 minarets.
The design of the Blue Mosque is interpreted as a synthesis of Ottoman mosque architecture and Byzantine church architecture. We can see that the mosque was inspired by the Hagia Sophia right next to it.
The courtyard of this mosque, whose architectural features are summarized with majesty and grandeur, is as wide as the mosque. At the west entrance of the courtyard, there is a heavy cord made of iron.
It is said that thanks to this cordon when even the Sultan was entering the courtyard with a horse he should hang his head as respectfully.
The mosque's decorations consist of more than 20 thousand tiles with different tulip patterns. All these tiles create a blue, peaceful and magnificent scene. The domes and ceilings of the mosque are very important. It is so important that in 1985, Istanbul Historical Areas (Zones historiques d’Istanbul) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
• The architect of the mosque is not Mimar Sinan, but one of his best students, Sedefkar Mehmet Aga.
• The mosque has 16 balconies and the main dome with a diameter of 23.5 meters.
• The mosque is the first mosque with 6 minarets in the Ottoman Empire.
• Sultan Ahmet I, who gave the mosque its name, laid the foundation of the mosque. The pickaxe, which he laid the foundation is now on display at Topkapi Palace.
• Large tablets on the walls contain verses and the names of 4 caliphs.
Blue Mosque Address
Sultan Ahmet Camii, Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
You can go to Sultan Ahmed Mosque following transit lines:
Bus: 28, 66, BN1
Train: MARMARAY (ATAKOY - PENDIK) and MARMARAY (HALKALI - GEBZE)
Metro: M1A, M2
Tram: T1
There is no fee for the Sultan Ahmet Mosque entry, it is open to tourist visits except for prayer times. There is a dress code. Both men and women must have their legs covered. Women are required to cover their heads and shoulders.
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