Image credit: william87What
The Blue Mosque, officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a functioning mosque that was built in the early 17th century, during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I.
It rivals the splendor of the nearby Hagia Sophia with its 6 minarets and many cascading domes. Inside, you can find more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles in various tulip designs, which gave the Blue Mosque its popular name.
Why
The Blue Mosque remains as the most visited mosque in Turkey. It is open even to non-worshippers for free.
Visitors come to admire its classic Ottoman architecture. To fully appreciate its design, enter through the Hippodrome side and marvel at the mosque’s perfect proportions from the courtyard. Once inside, stand beneath the huge domes or enjoy the beauty of the tile designs at the gallery.
As an added bonus, stay at the park at sunset, listen to the call to evening prayers, and watch the Blue Mosque become beautifully illuminated with colored lights.
Visitors’ notes
The Blue Mosque is closed to non-worshippers at certain hours during pray time, so plan your visit well. Visitors must enter through a separate door. Dress conservatively and wear a headscarf if you are a woman. Scarves can be borrowed for free near the entrance. Flash photography is not allowed.
