Blue Mosque Travel Guide
Travel to Blue Mosque - Istanbul’s Most Famous Mosque.
- Ratings:
- 5 out of 5 (2 votes)
-
Reviews:
-
Be the first to write a review
Located in the heart of historic Sultanahmet and indeed giving its name to the district, the Blue or Sultanahmet Mosque is undeniably the city’s most famous place of worship. Finished in 1616 the mosque is thought to have received its English name from the blue colour of its tiles and parts of the vast interior.
The Blue Mosque is the work of Sedefhar Mehmet Aga who built it for the Sultan Ahmet I following architectural layout similar to the Aya Sofya. The renowned Ottoman architect Sinan taught Sedefhar well and the execution of the design still causes gasps today – its size is remarkable. Its location opposite the Aya Sofya is not accidental, and was chosen to demonstrate that Islamic architects and masons could compete on equal terms with anything their Christian counterparts could produce.
The structure is approached by a courtyard complete with arcades and domes; its 6 minarets rocket skywards. Once inside the true size of the building can be appreciated. It’s vast 33 metre dome and semi-domes are supported by enormous columns and the famous Iznik tiles. Called the Blue Mosque by western visitors the reason for this is unclear. Some say it is because of the blue paintwork of the interior and if so this is something of a misnomer as this paintwork was not originally a feature; the colour is now being removed. Others say it is because of the stunning Iznik tiles, some 20,000 of them, and many of which are blue. Stained glass windows and chandeliers reflect light around the interior. Look out also for the marble mihrab which points the way to Mecca.
Outside once again the formal gardens to the front of the mosque frame the building beautifully and help give further perspective. A view from here on a snowy winter’s day with the mosque shown against a clear blue sky is an unforgettable sight and reason alone to visit out of season.
Activities in Blue Mosque
Allow around an hour to explore the Blue Mosque a visit to which can be included in a guided walking tour of Sultanahmet.
Relaxing
There are several tea gardens at the side of the Aya Sofya – the best place from which to admire the Blue Mosque?
Getting Around
The Blue Mosque is located in Sultanahmet, opposite the famous Aya Sofya and is easily reached on foot from any of the main sights in this historic area.
Blue Mosque Reviews
Why not be the first and add your review below?
