Sedefkar Mehmet Aga started to build this famous Blue Mosque in 1609 and completed the construction in 1616. He was one of the well-talented architects of the 17th-century Ottoman era and the pupil of the well-known architect Mimar Sinan. Sultan Ahmed’s wish for a mosque with glory, strength, and brilliance came true! The Blue Mosque has been at the center of İstanbul, surrounded by history, and visible from every aspect since then.

What is the thing that makes this famous mosque different from others? Being the first mosque of the Ottoman empire, which has six minarets, Blue Mosque became a peerless architecture of the 17th century Ottoman empire and today’s İstanbul! During the construction, the six minarets of the Blue Mosque started some controversy because it was the Kaaba, the holiest mosque of Mecca, having six minarets, and the Blue Mosque was considered to be challenging Kaaba. So the story goes: Sultan Ahmed sent constructors to Mecca to build the seventh minaret for Kaaba.  

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The “Blue” Mosque And Interior Design

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) is called “blue” by Europeans since blue tiles surround the interior design walls. Be ready to be dazzled when you step inside the Blue Mosque because the internal part is as charming as the exterior part! More than 20.000 handmade Iznik (Nicaea) ceramic tiles in the shape of 50 different tulip designs are adorning the interior walls of the blue mosque; the paramount chandeliers lighting up the majestic church await you!

In the Blue Mosque, the regal red carpet covers all the space. Calligraphy with Quranic verses will get your attention immediately. If you seek the best places to visit in Istanbul, the Blue Mosque offers you the most beautiful visual feast. You will exactly be charmed by its magnificence! There are lots of exciting features that make this mosque so brilliant. Don’t worry about missing something out because your experienced Istanbul travel guide will be with you during your visit!

For many years, this majestic mosque has been welcoming and embracing anyone. The gates of the Blue Mosque are not only always open for prayers which would like to practice their religion. With its all glory and magnificence, it stands at the city's heart; it draws all the attention of tourists and even locals! So it is one of the best places to visit in Istanbul. The mosque also welcomes travelers who desire to discover, get familiar with İstanbul better by learning from its history! Have your Istanbul Tourist Pass and discover the Blue Mosque now!

At The Heart Of Istanbul: The Blue Mosque

It’s impossible to ignore the Blue Mosque even when you’re walking far away from it. Remember the tale that İstanbul has just told you! It can be said that it is one of the most realistic tales. We have proof: let’s say you are walking or sipping your Turkish coffee by the seashore of Karaköy: In one of the most popular places in Istanbul, the first gaze you may catch will be the Blue Mosque! You may even find your directions according to this famous church. It is a fact that when you say Istanbul, the Blue Mosque is the essential part reflecting the soul of this city.

It’s always said that Istanbul has a lot to offer and many things to discover. Have you ever looked at the best canvas painted by different nations, cultures, and religions? The very first and the best place to experience all of these is the Blue Mosque. One of the most significant Islamic architectures, the Blue Mosque stands at the top of Istanbul; gazing at the city just like a guardian, watches Istanbul day and night! 

Have you ever heard the rhythm of this city? Around the Blue Mosque, you may hear the songs of the pigeons, sounds of prayer calls. You can come across people visiting here from all around the world. You are going to catch the panoramic view of Istanbul in the eye of the Blue Mosque! 

The Blue Mosque is also close to other touristic attractions such as Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, the Basilica Cistern, the Archeological Museums, and the Grand Bazaar. So, during your visit to the Blue Mosque, you come across other hidden treasures of the city! Did you know that the Byzantine structure, commissioned by Emperor Constantius in 360 A.D The Hagia Sophia and the 17th century’s Ottoman frame,  the Blue Mosque stands face to face? It is a fantastic opportunity to see how the city preserves its history and embraces cultural differences

Frequently Asked Question

Why Should I Visit the Blue Mosque?
If you are a local visitor, it’s nearly impossible not to have heard about the impressive beauty of the Blue Mosque. If you are a foreign tourist, you should experience being a part of the crowd of Turks and tourists gathering in the park at sunset. As the sun goes down and colorful floodlights brightly illuminate the mosque, listen to the evening call to prayer, facing the mosque! It will be an unforgettable memory!
Should I Have to Wait in Line for the Guided Tours?
With Istanbul Tourist Pass, no! All you have to do is arrive at the meeting place on time and ask our trained guides anything you wonder about the Mosque.
The Blue Mosque Opening Hours?
Tourists can enter the Blue Mosque between 08:30 - 11:30, 13:00 - 14:30, and 15:30 - 16:45 hours of visit. On Fridays, the opening time of the mosque for touristic visits is determined as 13:30.
Can tourists visit the Blue Mosque?
Yes, Blue Mosque is open to visits from tourists during the day. You can visit Blue Mosque with a ticket, or more ideally, with an Istanbul Tourist Pass.