Overview:

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque, is one of the most renowned landmarks of Istanbul and a proud symbol of Ottoman architectural heritage. It was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I in the early 17th century and is now regarded as a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. Located in the heart of the Old City, the Blue Mosque is visited by millions of tourists every year to marvel at its majestic interior and exterior. The mosque is also one of the most important religious sites in Turkey, with five daily prayer services attracting large congregations of local Muslims and tourists alike. It is one of the most beautiful monuments in Turkey
Prominent Features:

, the Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a historical mosque located in the historic district of Istanbul Sultanahmet. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. It is notable for its architecturally unique six minarets, which make it visually distinctive among other historic mosques around the world. Its immense central dome measures 23 m in diameter, making it one of the largest in the world. It is adorned with more than 20,000 blue and green hand-painted Iznik tiles located throughout the interior, giving it its nickname "Blue Mosque". The walls are covered in hundreds of intricate calligraphic inscriptions of various Islamic texts, and it features many unique architectural elements like stained glass windows, ornate chandeliers, intricate tile designs, wood carvings, and marble fountains. The mosques was built to replace a Byzantine church that was located on the site, and it was designed to be a symbol of the Islamic faith in the city. Its location near the Hagia Sophia, an iconic Byzantine Church, further symbolizes the continuation of civilization through the ages. The Blue Mosque still stands today as a prominent symbol of Istanbul's rich cultural and religious history. You can learn history, culture, and heritage through these magnificent monuments in Turkey.

History:

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Istanbul and was built in the early 1600s. It was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and designed by architect Mehmet Aga, who took inspiration from the Hagia Sophia and other mosques built during the Ottoman Empire. The Blue Mosque is renowned for its beautiful six minarets, four of which point up towards the sky and two of which lean towards the sea on either side. Inside the Blue Mosque, visitors can admire intricate blue and golden tiles referring to the Ottoman Empire’s decorative tradition and its famous Iznik tiles, as well as its incredible stained glass windows. The Blue Mosque also features a courtyard which is home to a golden fountain, as well as several other smaller structures such as a cemetery and a library. The Blue Mosque has served as an important religious and continuing cultural site since its commission by Sultan Ahmed I. It plays host to several festivals throughout the year including the Ramadan festivities and the Krebir Ramadan, which is celebrated by Muslims all over the world. Additionally, the Blue Mosque has a long history of welcoming visitors of all religions, allowing them to experience the grandeur and beauty of the building. Visit one of the famous monuments of Turkey with your friends and family.

Interesting facts:

1. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the most important architectural landmarks in Istanbul. 2. It was built between 1609 and 1616, during the reign of Sultan Ahmet I. 3. The mosque is most famous for its distinctive blue tiles which cover the entire outside of the mosque. 4. The Blue Mosque is built from 6 minarets and each one is 220 feet tall. 5. It was the first imperial mosque to have 6 minarets, a number reserved for the holy mosque of Mecca. 6. The mosque is an active place of worship to this day and can hold up to 10,000 people. 7. Inside the Blue Mosque you will find Iznik tiles in geometric, floral and calligraphic designs. 8. The mosque also features various artifacts inside, including stained glass windows, furniture, chandeliers, and textiles. 9. It is one of only a few mosques in the world to have both a mihrab, a symbolic indicator of the direction of Mecca for prayer, and a minbar, a pulpit where the Imam preaches during prayer. 10. The mosque was the first monumental structure of the classical period of Ottoman architecture. One of the historical monuments of Turkey, it tells the story of a bygone era