Blue Mosque

Overview

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) is Istanbul's most iconic silhouette, with six minarets and a cascading dome structure. Its interior is blanketed with over 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles that give it its popular name.

Highlights

• Iznik Tiles: Over 20,000 hand-painted ceramic tiles in tulip, carnation, and cypress designs cover the interior walls.
• Six Minarets: The only imperial mosque in Istanbul with six minarets — a controversial decision at the time.
• Stained Glass: 200 stained glass windows flood the interior with colored light.

History

Built between 1609 and 1616 by Sultan Ahmed I, who was just 19 when he commissioned it. The six minarets caused scandal because only Mecca's Grand Mosque had as many — Ahmed resolved it by funding a seventh minaret for Mecca.

Visitor Tips

• Closed During Prayers: The mosque closes to tourists five times daily for prayer. Midday can have long closures.
• Enter from Hippodrome Side: The tourist entrance is on the south side, facing the old Hippodrome.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.