Photo gallery of the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque - Istanbul, Turkey
The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) stands in the historic center of Istanbul on Sultanahmet Square, opposite Hagia Sophia. It is one of the main monuments of early 17th-century Ottoman architecture, built between 1609 and 1617 to a design by the architect Sedefkar Mehmet Agha during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is easy to recognize by its six minarets and large central dome.
Its popular name comes from the interior decoration: more than 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles with predominately white and blue tones. The interior is complemented by marble and stone elements, a carved mihrab and minbar, and large calligraphic panels. Hundreds of windows light the prayer hall, some of which are decorated with stained glass.
The mosque is part of a large külliye complex, which historically included madrasas, kitchens for the needy, an ablution fountain and a mausoleum. The mausoleum on the complex grounds holds the tomb of Sultan Ahmed I along with members of his family. Having six minarets was rare for a mosque in Istanbul and sparked discussion among contemporaries, underlining the building's status.
The Blue Mosque remains an active place of worship. Entrance for visitors is free, though donations are welcome. Access for tourists is closed during the five daily prayers and for a longer period on Fridays around midday. Visitors must follow a dress code: shoulders and knees should be covered, women must cover their heads, shoes are removed at the entrance and carried in a bag; silence should be observed inside, and flash photography, tripods and drones are not allowed. Some areas are reserved for worshippers only.
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The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) stands in the historic center of Istanbul on Sultanahmet Square, opposite Hagia Sophia. It is one of the main monuments of early 17th-century Ottoman architecture, built between 1609 and 1617 to a design by the architect Sedefkar Mehmet Agha during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is easy to recognize by its six minarets and large central dome.
Its popular name comes from the interior decoration: more than 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles with predominately white and blue tones. The interior is complemented by marble and stone elements, a carved mihrab and minbar, and large calligraphic panels. Hundreds of windows light the prayer hall, some of which are decorated with stained glass.
The mosque is part of a large külliye complex, which historically included madrasas, kitchens for the needy, an ablution fountain and a mausoleum. The mausoleum on the complex grounds holds the tomb of Sultan Ahmed I along with members of his family. Having six minarets was rare for a mosque in Istanbul and sparked discussion among contemporaries, underlining the building's status.
The Blue Mosque remains an active place of worship. Entrance for visitors is free, though donations are welcome. Access for tourists is closed during the five daily prayers and for a longer period on Fridays around midday. Visitors must follow a dress code: shoulders and knees should be covered, women must cover their heads, shoes are removed at the entrance and carried in a bag; silence should be observed inside, and flash photography, tripods and drones are not allowed. Some areas are reserved for worshippers only.
Unique tiles and a majestic dome.
What to see inside the Blue Mosque
Inside, your attention is drawn to the Iznik tile patterns featuring tulips, cypresses and carnations, as well as large calligraphic inscriptions with verses of the Quran. The central dome rises to about 43 m, supported by semi-domes and massive piers, and the hall is lit by more than 200 windows. Note the carved marble mihrab and minbar and the imperial loge from which the sultan once prayed.
In the courtyard there is an arcaded peristyle with a shadirvan, convenient for viewing the facades and decorative details; here you can clearly see all the minarets and the layout of the complex. The mausoleum of Sultan Ahmed I is located on the grounds and is open to visitors; behind the mosque is the Arasta Bazaar with workshops and shops selling ceramics and textiles. After the restoration completed in 2023, the interiors and courtyard are open to visitors, and main areas are equipped with ramps, so visitors with strollers and wheelchairs find it easier to visit with assistance.
Nearby are Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome with the Obelisk of Theodosius and the Serpent Column, the Basilica Cistern and Topkapi Palace - all within walking distance.
How to get there: a 15-minute walk from Marmaray Sirkeci station or about 10 minutes from Gulhane Park; from the Eminonu pier about a 20-minute walk.
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