Blue mosque istanbul

The Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul is an icon of Ottoman architecture with six minarets and over 20,000 Iznik tiles.

About this subject

The Blue Mosque, officially Sultan Ahmed Mosque, was built between 1609 and 1616 by order of Sultan Ahmed I. Located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, it stands opposite Hagia Sophia, forming one of the most impressive architectural ensembles in the world.

Its nickname comes from the thousands of Iznik tiles that adorn its interior, predominantly in blue and green tones. More than 20,000 pieces, many with floral and geometric designs, cover the walls. The mosque has six minarets, a rare feature that sparked controversy at the time, because the Great Mosque of Mecca also had six. To resolve the issue, the sultan financed a seventh minaret for the Holy Mosque.

The main dome is 43 meters high and 23.5 meters in diameter, supported by four massive pillars. Natural lighting is supplemented by glass chandeliers. The mosque remains an active place of worship but is open to visitors outside prayer times. Its location on the shores of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphorus offers spectacular views, especially at sunset.

Interesting fact: the mosque complex included a madrasa, a hospital, public kitchens, and shops, following the Ottoman külliye model. The architect was Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, a student of the famous Mimar Sinan. The mosque has suffered earthquake damage but has been restored over the centuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many minarets does the Blue Mosque have?

Six minarets. This is unusual, as most mosques have one, two, or four. The Blue Mosque was one of the first to have six.

Why is it called the Blue Mosque?

Because of over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interior, giving a bluish hue to the space.

Is the Blue Mosque still used for prayers?

Yes, it is an active place of worship. Visitors can enter outside prayer times, respecting dress code and silence.