The Blue Mosque is famous in Istanbul for its six minarets and beautiful blue tiles from Iznik, making it different from other mosques in the city. Sultan Ahmed I started building it in 1609, and it was finished in 1617 by the architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha. The inside of the mosque mixes old Byzantine styles with Ottoman designs. This mosque stands as a symbol of many changes in history, surviving through different rulers, political changes, and cultural shifts.
When you step into the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, you’ll see a large prayer hall filled with beautiful domes and detailed calligraphy that highlight Ottoman artistry.
The main feature inside the mosque is the central dome. It's very high and rests on four big columns. The dome is decorated with detailed patterns and writings.
In the southeast corner of the mosque, there’s a special area called the Royal Kiosk. It includes a platform and two small rooms with a decorative niche that points toward Mecca, showing rich decorations like a jade rose and golden details.
As you enter the Blue Mosque, you first walk through a large courtyard. Next comes the prayer hall at the center of the mosque, which has very high ceilings and is famous for its big domes. These domes are typical of old Turkish design.
The minbar is a raised platform where the imam speaks during prayers. It is beautifully carved and has lots of fine writing on it, showing its importance in the mosque.
The walls, pillars, and domes inside are covered with over 20,000 blue tiles from İznik. These tiles have detailed designs of flowers and patterns that are very eye-catching.
The mihrab is a decorated area in the wall that shows the direction to Mecca, important for Muslim prayers. It's covered in detailed tilework and writing.
All around the mosque, you'll find walls, arches, and domes covered in beautiful writing from the Quran and other Islamic texts, adding to the spiritual feeling of the mosque.
The mosque has many stained glass windows that let in colourful light, especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon.
Outside, there's a big courtyard that surrounds the mosque. Walking here, you can look up at the impressive domes and minarets and really appreciate the size and beauty of the Blue Mosque.
You can enter the Blue Mosque for free, as it’s open to visitors at no cost throughout the year. If you want to learn more about the mosque and hear interesting stories about its history, consider taking a guided tour. An English-speaking guide will show you around the mosque and tell you about its past and the culture around it. The tour also includes a walk around the Old City near the mosque, letting you see more of the area’s historical sites.
Remove Your Shoes: The Blue Mosque is a place where people pray and visit. Make sure to take off your shoes before you go in. You can leave them at the entrance or carry them in a plastic bag.
Follow the Dress Code: Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees when you visit the Blue Mosque. This rule is for both men and women. Women should also cover their heads.
Keep Quiet: The Blue Mosque is busy with tourists and worshippers. Please be quiet and don’t run around. Avoid using your phone inside to keep the place peaceful.
No Flash Photography: Don’t use flash when taking photos or bring big camera equipment like tripods inside the mosque. This helps keep it quiet and calm for everyone. Also, do not take photos of people who are praying.
Don’t Touch the Walls: Try not to touch the walls or lean on them. This helps protect the beautiful tiles and designs on them. Don’t bring food or drinks inside, and be careful not to spill anything.
Visit Early or Late: The Blue Mosque is a famous spot and gets lots of visitors. To avoid big crowds, try to go early in the morning or later in the evening.
Check Prayer Times: You can’t visit the mosque during prayer times or on Fridays at noon. Check the prayer times before you go to avoid waiting outside.
Inside the Blue Mosque, you’ll see beautiful blue tiles, a big prayer hall with a large dome, detailed writings, and colorful stained glass windows. It feels very peaceful inside.
Yes, you can take guided tours of the Blue Mosque. These tours last about an hour and also include a walk around the historic area of Istanbul. You can buy tickets that include visits to both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia at a lower price.
You can take photos inside the Blue Mosque, but don’t use flash or big camera equipment like tripods. This helps keep the mosque calm for everyone.
Yes, entering the Blue Mosque is free. If you want to learn more about its history, you might like to join a guided tour, which costs money but includes more information and a walk around the old part of the city.
No, visiting Dolmabahce Palace is not free. Tickets must be purchased, and it is advisable to buy them online for convenience.
Dolmabahce Palace is one of the largest palaces in the world, covering approximately 11 acres and featuring 285 rooms, 46 halls, and 6 baths.
The Blue Mosque is in Istanbul, Turkey, at Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122.
The Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616. Sultan Ahmed I ordered its construction and it’s also known as the Sultanahmet Mosque after him.
Definitely! The Blue Mosque is a fantastic place to visit in Istanbul. It’s beautiful and worth spending time to really take in everything it has to offer.
Inside the Blue Mosque, you’ll see a mix of Ottoman and Byzantine design. The walls are covered with blue İznik tiles that also have green, red, and gold patterns. The decoration includes art from the Ottoman era and other artworks from the 20th century.
You can visit the mosque most of the day. It’s best to go between 9:00 and 18:00. Remember, it closes to tourists during prayer times, so check those times before you go.
