Brief History:

: The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was built between 1609 and 1616 on the orders of the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is considered a masterpiece of Islamic architecture, combining the best of traditional Ottoman, Byzantine and Persian design elements. The mosque's name comes from its stunning blue interior tiles, which were added to the walls over a century later by Sultan Ahmed III. The exterior of the building is clad in white marble, while the domes and minarets are covered with blue tiles. The mosque was built on the site of an earlier Byzantine church, a structure that has been incorporated into the mosque's design. It is the only mosque in Istanbul that has six minarets, and is an iconic symbol of the city. It is one of the most famous mosque in Turkey which you must visit.

Architecture:

The architecture of the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul is a blend of various styles. It is an example of "classical Ottoman architecture" which combines Islamic, Byzantine and Persian elements. The mosque is shaped as an octagonal central domed court with four minarets. The central dome is 56m high, with a diameter of 23m. There are five smaller domes around it with a height of 28m. There are two semi-domes that flank the main dome. The interior of the mosque is decorated with thousands of coloured tiles depicting geometric, vegetal and floral designs. The mosque includes a prayer hall, ablution fountain, midribs and 260 windows. The main entrance to the mosque is located in the western wall while the other two walls contain galleries and a porch. The exterior walls of the Blue Mosque are adorned with alternating white and grey stones with blue and green mosaics. The close attention to detail in the stonework creates an effect of light and shadow on the façade. The designs are highly intricate and include calligraphic shapes and symmetrical geometric motifs. The colour palette used is mainly blue and green with turquoise and teal. The mosque is lit up at night and the illumination adds to the building's grandeur. The Blue Mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture; it has become an iconic symbol of Istanbul and is one of the most visited tourist sites in Turkey. It is among the most beautiful mosques in the world and the largest one built in the classical Ottoman style. It is the best example of the Ottoman's grandiose architecture style, reflecting the religious and political power of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque also continues to be an important place of worship for Muslims in Istanbul. This is why, it is considered one of the most beautiful mosque in the world.

Visiting Hours:

, the Blue Mosque, known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is open for prayer five times daily. The official visiting hours of the mosque are every day from 9am to 7pm. Visitors are advised to check the prayer schedule before visiting, and ensure they are dressed modestly when entering the mosque. Visitors can enjoy the internal viewings of the mosque on weekdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9am to 5pm. There is an admission fee for visitors, and tours are available from 10am to 4pm daily, with an additional fee for tour guides. Photography and videography of the mosque are allowed for all visitors, however, there is a strict no flash photography policy. best mosque in the world.

Travel Information:

Getting to the Blue Mosque: The Blue Mosque is located in Istanbul, Turkey. The closest Metro stop is Sultanahmet, which is about a 5-minute walk away from the mosque. There are also bus and tram stops nearby. Accessibility: The Blue Mosque is wheelchair accessible and has ramps at the entrances. Wheelchairs are available for visitors with limited mobility. Opening Hours: The Blue Mosque is open every day from 8:30am to 4:30pm. It is closed to visitors on Friday mornings between 12:30pm and 1:30pm for prayer. Admission Fees: Admission to the Blue Mosque is free but a small fee is charged for the use of still cameras and video cameras. Dress Code: Visitors to the Blue Mosque should dress respectfully and cover their shoulders and legs. Women should cover their heads and wear long skirts or pants. Additional Information: The Blue Mosque is a popular tourist attraction and can get very crowded. It's best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon when it is less busy. beautiful masjid.