The Blue Mosque

"The Sultanahmet Mosque is more commonly known as the Blue Mosque due to the iconic blue İznik tiles that decorate its interior. The interior is decorated with more than 20,000 hand-painted ceramic Iznik tiles, various floral motifs, and light that enters the mosque through more than 260 stained glass windows. More than 400 years old, the mosque stands the test of time and is still intact. It is still a functioning mosque, so visitors are not allowed during prayer hours. It is an incredible experience to see the original tile work, massive chandeliers, ornate calligraphy, and all the hard work that went into creating this masterpiece of Islamic architecture. At night you can see the six minarets lit up and it's really impressive to see it from a distance! 💡You can check the working hours online or by visiting the Blue Mosque. Check online here: http://www.sultanahmetcamii.org/opening-closing-time/ 💡After the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are closed for prayers, explore the Basilica Cistern while you wait for the mosques to reopen. ⭐️ You can ask for a free scarf or cloak at the entrance ❗️Did you know that the reason behind these 6 minarets is actually just a simple misunderstanding? The word gold and six are quite similar. The Sultan asked for golden minarets (altin minaret), but the architect understood alti minaret to mean six minarets. This ordeal apparently upset the Sultan so much that he did not even correct the mistake, but instead ordered the construction of a seventh minaret on top of the Prophet's Mosque in Mecca."

"(EN) It is one of the most iconic and popular monuments of Ottoman architecture. It was constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Ahmed I. The predominant colour of this paintwork is blue, one of the reasons for the mosque's popular name, A major restoration of the mosque took place in the 21st century. During preparatory work in 2013, it was discovered that the mosque's northwest minaret had shifted 5 centimetres over time, constituting a potential threat to its structural stability. Work to reconstruct and repair the minaret was underway in 2015. Comprehensive restoration work on the rest of the mosque began in 2018 and was finished in April 2023. (ES) Es uno de los monumentos más emblemáticos y populares de la arquitectura otomana. Fue construida entre 1609 y 1617 durante el reinado de Ahmed I. El color predominante en su interior es el azul, uno de los motivos del nombre popular de la mezquita. En el siglo XXI se llevó a cabo una importante restauración de la mezquita. Durante los trabajos preparatorios en 2013, se descubrió que el minarete noroeste de la mezquita se había desplazado 5 centímetros con el tiempo, lo que constituía una amenaza potencial para la estabilidad de su estructura. Los trabajos de reconstrucción y reparación del minarete comenzaron en 2015. Los trabajos de restauración integral del resto de la mezquita comenzaron en 2018 y finalizaron en abril de 2023."

"Also known as the Blue Mosque, the Sultanahmet Camii is a stunning architectural masterpiece that stands as a testament to Istanbul's rich history. Built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque is a dazzling example of Ottoman architecture and a must-see for any visitor to the city. The Sultanahmet Camii was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I as a way to assert Ottoman power and prestige. It was built on the site of the Hippodrome, a former Byzantine chariot racing arena, and its construction required the demolition of several Byzantine buildings. The mosque's design is a blend of traditional Ottoman and Byzantine elements. It features six minarets, a large central dome, and four smaller domes. The interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate tilework and stained glass windows. The Sultanahmet Camii was a major architectural achievement and had a significant impact on the development of Ottoman architecture. It was the first Ottoman mosque to feature six minarets, and its design inspired many other mosques that were built throughout the empire. The mosque is also a significant religious and cultural symbol. It is one of the largest mosques in Istanbul and is a popular destination for both Muslims and tourists."