The cascading domes and six slender minarets of the Blue Mosque (Turkish; Sultanahmet Camii) 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.
In Sultanahmet area,an amazing architectural construction with its 6 minarets…Definitely it is one of the Musts in İstanbul for any local or international guests.Pls allow at least an hour to visit it.Recommended.
I recomend individual travellers to stay away early morning visits since it is packed with cruiseship tourists from spring to end of autumn.Best time is to visit before 3rd prayer since it is less crowded.also fridays it is closed till noon than packed again and long very long lines to get in. weekdays in the afternoon just after midday prayer…
We sat around the trees in the courtyard of the mosque, and let the kids play around. Inside the mosque the architecture was marvelous.
One of the masterpieces in Istanbul. Definitely must be included in the trip. It is close to Hagia Sophia and the cistern which are the other must-sees. A trip to Istanbul would be wasted without these.
It is a marvelous building. Full of history and in the old part of the city. However I would say to go with a guide, otherwise you miss many important details.
A pearl of ottoman art, not with architecture like Süleymaniye or Selimiye, but with fine art inside. Very huge and large. Better to go early in the morning or late evening. In the midday it will be a problem with the crowd of people.
if you go to istanbul..then you should visit that place because it is classic for istanbul .)) I did it and I am happy .))
The Blue Mosque (Called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design. Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I. just like many other mosques.
This monument , established right in the center of Sultanahmet District Istanbul is a worth to visit place. The entrance is free of charge, (a donation might be good if you are willing to). We recommend standing in the park between Sultanahmet Mosque and Hagiasophia and take some nice photos.
Wonderful! Congratulations! But to refer to a monument maybe the title should talk by itself about its heritage. Hagia Sophia (meaning in Greek “God’s Wisdom”) was built as a Christian Orthodox Cathedral and was transferred to a mosque centuries later.It is oxymoron (contradictory) to have a Greek-Byzantine name to Mosque. Correct Historic and Academic name: “Hagia Sophia Orthodox patriarchal basilica.” Congratulations again for the site!