Blue mosque istanbul

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, an Ottoman landmark with six minarets and blue tiles, blends faith, art, and history in the heart of Sultanahmet.

About this subject

The Blue Mosque, officially named the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, was built between 1609 and 1616 under the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. Its architect, Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, a pupil of the famous Mimar Sinan, managed to create a masterpiece that combines classical Ottoman elements with spatial innovations. The popular name “Blue” comes from the more than 20,000 handmade İznik ceramic tiles decorating the interior, predominantly in shades of blue and turquoise. They depict floral patterns, geometric designs, and abstract scenes, forming one of the world's largest ceramic collections.

The mosque is located in the Sultanahmet district, directly opposite the Hagia Sophia, forming a monumental axis that defines Istanbul's skyline. It has six minarets, which at the time sparked controversy because the only mosque with six was the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca. To resolve this, the sultan funded a seventh minaret for Mecca. The inner courtyard is surrounded by columns and a central fountain for ablutions. The main dome is 43 meters high and 23.5 meters in diameter, supported by four “elephant feet” (massive pillars).

The mosque remains active for the five daily prayers, but also receives millions of tourists each year. During prayer times, entrance is restricted to worshippers. The interior is illuminated by 260 windows that once contained Venetian stained glass. On the north side lies the mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I and his family. The Blue Mosque is considered the last example of classical Ottoman architecture and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as part of the Historic Areas of Istanbul.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Blue Mosque have six minarets?

Traditionally, only the mosque in Mecca had six minarets. By building his with six, Sultan Ahmed I sparked controversy, but he resolved it by funding a seventh minaret for Mecca, preserving the hierarchy.

Is the Blue Mosque open to non-Muslim visitors?

Yes, the mosque is open to visitors outside prayer times. Modest dress and shoe removal are required. Entry is free, but donations are welcome.

How many tiles decorate the interior of the mosque?

There are over 20,000 handmade İznik ceramic tiles, painted by hand, covering walls and domes. They are responsible for the characteristic blue hue.