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Quick Information

ADDRESS

#Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye

RECOMMENDED DURATION

2 hours

Timings

08:30–19:00

VISITORS PER YEAR

4500000

TICKETS

From $11.69

NUMBER OF ENTRANCES

3

EXPECTED WAIT TIME - SKIP THE LINE

0-30 mins (Peak), 0-30 mins (Off Peak)

UNESCO YEAR

1985

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Did you know?

An interesting legend surrounds the unusual six minarets of the Mosque. Sultan Ahmed wanted them in gold, but the architect misheard it as six, given the words in Turkish for both sound similar. Since only the Prophet’s Mosque in Mecca had six minarets, it is believed that the Sultan avoided controversy by commissioning a 7th minaret in the Mecca Mosque, to maintain its supremacy.

The Blue Mosque gets its popular name from the beautiful blue Iznik tiles that adorn its ceiling. The tiles come from Iznik in Turkey famous for its pottery. Handpainted with floral motifs and incredible calligraphy, these 20,000 blue tiles make the interiors an absolutely stunning sight.

A teenage sultan, Ahmed, wanted his legacy to shine in the Ottoman narrative; the chances of which were slim given his numerous military defeats. The Blue Mosque was his trump card and he was resolved to finish it despite a declining social situation and much opposition. He even took part in the construction of the Mosque on the first day.

Things to see at the Blue Mosque in Istanbul

Iznik tiles

The mosque is famous for its exquisite İznik tiles, featuring intricate floral patterns and calligraphy. Take the time and admire the stunning blue tiles that adorn the walls, pillars, and domes, taking visitors on a trip down the Ottoman reign in Turkey.

More about Blue Mosque's interior tiles

Prayer hall

Upon entering the Blue Mosque, you will come across a spacious courtyard. The prayer hall is right after that, at the heart of the mosque, featuring high ceilings and impressive domes. The domes and semi-domes are signature elements of Ottoman architecture.

Lesser-known facts about the Blue Mosque

Mihrab

The mihrab is a beautifully decorated niche in the wall indicating the direction of Mecca (qibla). Adorned with intricate calligraphy and decorative elements, it is a significant focal point within the mosque. It was used by imams to lead a prayer.

About Blue Mosque's clothing rules

Stained glass windows

The Blue Mosque's interior is adorned with stained glass windows. During golden hours, it filters the sunlight in soft, colorful hues, illuminating the courtyard and interiors. These windows add to the ambiance and enhance its overall aesthetic appeal.

More about Blue Mosque's architecture

Minbar

The minbar is a pulpit from where the khatib (preacher) delivered his sermons. This intricately carved piece showcases the craftsmanship of the Ottoman period and adds to the architectural splendor of the Blue Mosque.

Central dome

The central dome is a remarkable feature of the Blue Mosque, supported by four large columns, creating a sense of depth and grandeur within the mosque. As you explore it closely, you will see intricate floral designs and calligraphy on its surface.

History of the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque, also popularly known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, is a stunning reminder of the prosperous Ottoman era. It had been commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, who reigned from 1603 to 1617 when the Ottoman reign was at its peak.

  • 1609: Sultan Ahmed I sought to commission a mosque, whose architectural splendor would rival the nearby Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque was constructed on the site of the Byzantine Great Palace, which had been destroyed by fire.
  • 1610 to 1612: Several skilled artisans and builders were employed to lay the foundation of Sultan Ahmed I's dream mosque. With the foundation secured, the workers began working on the walls and interior spaces.
  • 1613 to 1616: The famed blue tiles, produced in the city of Iznik, were meticulously installed inside the Blue Mosque. As construction progressed, additional details like marble columns, calligraphy inscriptions, and stained glass windows were incorporated, further enriching the mosque's interior.
  • 1616: The main structure of the Blue Mosque and some of its interiors were mapped out by this year. While the Blue Mosque is known for its 6 minarets, it is believed that it was built out of confusion. Such a display had only been reserved for the Prophet’s mosque in Mecca, hence Sultan Ahmed I received a lot of backlash for thinking too highly of himself. The Sultan had ultimately commissioned a 7th minaret for the Prophet’s Mosque to redeem his reputation.
  • 1617: Around this time, workers added more tiles and architectural elements to the inside of the Blue Mosque. The mosque was opened to the public.

​More about Blue Mosque's construction

Who built the Blue Mosque?

Who built the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Emperor Sultan Ahmed I, who sought to rival the architectural grandeur of the nearby Hagia Sophia. The Sultanahmet Mosque was designed by the renowned architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, who studied under the famous architect Mimar Sinan.

Agha drew inspiration from Ottoman architectural traditions, particularly the works of his master. The mosque's grand scale, intricate details, and iconic blue tiles solidified its place as a landmark of Ottoman architectural prowess. Skilled artists adorned the mosque's interior with elegant inscriptions from the Quran and other religious texts. The construction of the mosque began in 1609 and was completed in 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I.

Blue Mosque entrances

Architecture of the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque showcases a fusion of two architectural styles, blending traditional Ottoman architecture with elements borrowed from the Byzantine era. One of the mosque's distinctive features is its 6 minarets, which make it stand out from other mosques in Istanbul. These minarets serve the practical purpose of amplifying the call to prayer and contribute significantly to the mosque's imposing silhouette. The courtyard also has arching domes and semi-domes that enhance the splendor of the mosque.

The interior of the Blue Mosque is adorned with over 20,000 Iznik tiles, which give the mosque its popular name. These blue tiles, along with intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns, create a stunning visual display, adding to the mosque's grandeur and elegance. The mihrab (prayer niche) and minbar (pulpit) are crafted from exquisite marble, with elegant calligraphy inscriptions adorning its walls.

A spacious courtyard precedes the prayer hall, providing a serene space for ablutions and gatherings. Hundreds of windows are added to the domes and prayer halls, allowing for natural light to flood the interior, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow.

​Plan your visit to the Blue Mosque

Frequently asked questions about the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, with its 6 minarets and grand Central Dome, is one of the most famous architectural marvels in Istanbul. Its architecture is a fusion of Ottoman and Byzantine styles.

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