Blue mosque istanbul

The Blue Mosque of Istanbul, officially the Sultanahmet Mosque, is one of the most iconic Ottoman monuments, renowned for its six minarets and blue tiles.

About this subject

The Blue Mosque, officially the Sultanahmet Mosque, is a landmark of Ottoman architecture located in the historic center of Istanbul, Turkey. Built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque was designed by architect Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, a student of the legendary Mimar Sinan. Its strategic location facing the Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome of Constantinople makes it part of the UNESCO World Heritage site in the Sultanahmet area.

The mosque is famous for its six minarets, an unusual feature at the time that sparked controversy because the Great Mosque of Mecca also had six. To resolve the issue, the sultan funded the addition of a seventh minaret to the Mecca mosque. The interior is decorated with over 20,000 Iznik tiles, predominantly blue and green, which give the mosque its popular name. These handcrafted tiles feature intricate floral and geometric patterns, reflecting the sophistication of Ottoman art.

The central dome is 43 meters high and 23.5 meters in diameter, supported by four massive pillars. More than 200 stained glass windows filter natural light, creating a serene atmosphere. The mosque remains active for prayers but is open to visitors outside worship times. Unlike many historic mosques, the Blue Mosque does not have a traditional enclosed courtyard; instead, its courtyard is surrounded by arcades with 30 domes. Interestingly, the name 'Blue Mosque' is a Western designation; Turks call it Sultanahmet Camii, after the sultan who built it.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Blue Mosque have six minarets?

The mosque was built with six minarets, a rarity at the time. This caused controversy because only the Great Mosque of Mecca had six. Sultan Ahmed I resolved the issue by funding the addition of a seventh minaret in Mecca.

What is the difference between Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet?

They are the same building. 'Blue Mosque' is the popular Western name due to the blue tiles inside. Officially, it is called Sultanahmet Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii), named after Sultan Ahmed I.

Is the Blue Mosque still used for prayers?

Yes, it is an active mosque with five daily prayers and Friday congregation. Visitors can enter outside prayer times, respecting dress code and behavior rules.