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 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.
Quick Facts
Site Information |
| Names: | Blue Mosque; Sultanahmet Camii; Sultanahmet Mosque |
| Location: | Istanbul, Turkey |
| Category: | Mosques |
| Faith: | Islam |
| Status: | active |
| Date: | 1609-16 |
| Patron: | Sultan Ahmet I |
| Architect: | Mehmet Aga |
| Architecture: | Ottoman |
| Size: | Interior: 53m x 51m Dome diameter: 23.5m Dome height: 43m |
| Features: | Medieval Tiles |
Visitor Information |
| Coordinates: | 41.005277° N, 28.976827° E (view on Google Maps) |
| Address: | Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey |
| Phone: | (0212) 518 1319 |
| 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. |
| Public transport: | Tram: Sultanahmet |
Travel Resources for Istanbul
- Istanbul Map - our detailed interactive map of Istanbul, plus hand-picked links to more
- Istanbul Guided Tours - book sightseeing tours and activities in Istanbul
- Istanbul Hotels - check availability, maps, photos and reviews, then book at the guaranteed lowest rate
- Istanbul Hostels - reserve budget lodgings with no booking fees
- Istanbul Car Rentals - get the lowest rate by comparing multiple car companies at a glance
- Istanbul Flight Search - compare multiple travel sites to find the lowest airfare to Istanbul
- Istanbul Travel Forum - tips, answers and advice on Istanbul tourism
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.
Article Sources
Article written by Holly Hayes with reference to the following sources:
- Bernard McDonagh, Blue Guide Turkey, 3rd ed. (London: A&C Black, 2001), 64-65.
- Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) - Frommer's Turkey
- 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).
Article last updated: 10/18/2009.
