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Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ), Istanbul

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Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ), Istanbul
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Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet )
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Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): The Blue Mosque
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  • The Blue Mosque is one of the most beautiful mosques that I have ever visited. It was built between 1609 to 1617 by Sultan Ahmet I who was hoping built a structure that could rival its neighbor, the Aya Sofia in splendor. Although he was not quite successful, on its own the Blue Mosque is a stunning building that ranks amongst the most important attractions in Istanbul. Like the Aya Sofia, the Blue Mosque is dominated by its astonishing dome that is supported in design by several smaller domes. The dome itself is suspended overhead by four huge, elephantine columns. The interior of the mosque is decorated by masses of beautifully designed blue, green, yellow and red tiles. All the more stunning are the colour stain glass windows which make this the most colourful mosque that I have ever seen. I visited the Blue Mosque early in the day(about 9:30am) to avoid the crowds. Apparently this is also the best time to visit as this is when the sunlights entry though the glass stained windows is at its brightest. The affect was awesome and I was deeply impressed. Entry into the mosque is free and it is open from 0900 to 1800.

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  • Directions: Sultanahmet across from the Hippodrome.

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    Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Roses are Red, Some Mosques are Blue
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  • The Sultanahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is an Istanbul landmark that you just can’t miss. There are loads of mosques in Istanbul, but this one beats them all at the minaret game. It has six, which is virtually unheard of in the Islamic world. With these slender Ottoman-style towers and a series of blue-gray domes, it is an imposing building indeed. In the olden days, the muezzin called the faithful to prayer from high up in the tower, but since the advent of tape recorders and loudspeakers, muezzins have found themselves out of a job. As you walk up the steps from the huge courtyard, you will be directed to the tourist entrance, which is separate from the one used by local Muslims. Near the door is a large bin full of empty plastic bags. Take one for your shoes. With thousands of tourists traipsing in and out every day, imagine how many shoe mix-ups there must have been when the custom was to just leave them outside. What I still can’t figure out is where all those blue Iznik tiles are, that supposedly give the mosque its name. Granted, it was darkish inside, with the light coming from stained glassed windows and tiny lights strung up on iron chandeliers that must have once held candles. But blue was not a dominant color as far as I could see. What caught my eye more were the vast stretches of carpet divided up into rectangles in a pattern that ultimately provided each worshipper with his “own” little prayer rug. My engineer husband, who likes numbers, took a mental measurement and declared each segment 60 x 120 cm.

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    Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Blue Mosque
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  • The last great imperial mosque, The Blue Mosque, was founded by Sultan Ahmet I and constructed by the architect Mehmet Aga between 1609 and 1616. Sultan Ahmet wanted to surpass Justinian and his Hagia Sophia, and on the other hand architect Mehmet Aga wanted to surpass his master Sinan. Sultan Ahmet was given little time to enjoy his mosque, for he died the year after its completion, when he was only twenty seven years of age. The Sultan Ahmet Mosque differs from the other mosques in Istanbul because of its six minarets. The courtyard of the mosque is almost as large as the prayer hall and makes one notice the elegance of the building with 26 granite columns covered by 30 small domes. At the center of the courtyard there is an octagonal sadirvan which serves only as decorative purpose.

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    Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Blue Mosque
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  • One of the masterpieces in Istanbul is the Blue mosque in Sultanahmet. Sultan Ahmet I had the mosque built in the beginning of the 17th century (1609 - 1616) and the architect Mehmet Aga constructed a mosque of great harmony and elegance. It has a typical Ottoman design. There are benches in front of the mosque and it's nice to sit down, just to admire the view.

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    Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): The Blue Mosque
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  • One of all amazing building on the european side of Istanbul. And built due to an "addicted" sultan (Sultan Ahmet) who wanted to beat the 1000 year older Hagia Sofia close by. The architect Mehmet Aga got the order to make the Blue Mosque even more beautiful than Hagia Sofia, and although I don't think he succeded, it's still an incredible mosque. The building started in 1606, and took ten years to finish. 30 cupols, 43 meters high, plus the only mosque in Istanbul with 6 minarets. Outside the building you'll find a lot of salesmen. I was approached by a guy who wanted to sell 12 postcards of the Blue Mosque to me, and took good time to explain everything for me. He even got me to buy another 12 of other buildings in the city. But suddenly he just grabbed my money (5 lira) and started to ran away. I didn't understand anything, until I saw the police who just made a razzia against the illegal salesmen... Too bad I had picked up the money, otherwise I would have gotten the postcards for free... :) The Blue Mosque has got it's name from the colourful indoor. When you enter you'll feel the warmness from the walls and lamps, and it's quite a unique feeling. Unfortunately this isn't the only thing you'll feel. Due to religious reasons everyone have to take off his/her shoes at the entrance, and the first thing you'll notice when you enter is the smell from everyones socks and foot... Try to not think of it, and look around instead.

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  • Address: Sultanahmet, tram station
  • Directions: From the shore you'll see it, from the land you'll see it. You have to be more or less blind to miss the Blue Mosque...

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    Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Visit the Blue Mosque
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  • The Blue Mosque,or Sultanahmet Camii, is a huge mosque with six huge minarets. At the time this was the same number of minarets at the mosque in Mecca, so the Sultan financed a seventh minaret to be built in Mecca to avoid being seen as heretical. The number of minarets is symbolic as Sultan Ahmet was the 6th sultan to rule after the conquest of Constantinople. The mosque also has 16 balconies which represent his place as the 16th sultan since the beginning of the Ottoman State. Though the exterior of the mosque is not blue it takes its name from the beautiful blue Iznik tiles that adorn the inside. It was built in 1617 and was the Sultan Ahmet's answer to the Aya Sofia. The structure of the building is fascinating as it has been constructed with an internal framework of bars that enable it to bend to withstand earthquakes. The temperature of the mosque is controlled by an underground pool. As you enter you will notice some of the tiles bear a floral like pattern. Although plant life is not typically permitted to be depicted in a mosque, this pattern was characteristic of the Ottomans. One of the most memorable things about the mosque are the huge suspended chandeliers that hold tiny votive candles. After your neck is thoroughly bent out of shape from staring towards the ceilings, wander outside to the courtyard which holds an ancient sundial used for determining prayer times. Then visit the small domed structure called Sultanahmet'in Turbesi, which is the tomb of the Sultan and his wife and sons. In the back they claim to display strands of the Prophet Mohammed's beard, but I'll let you be the judge on that one.

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  • Address: In Sultanahmet, you cannot miss it!
  • Directions: Open Tu-Sat. 8:30-12:30 pm 1:45-3:45 pm and 5:30-6:30 pm Tomb open Tu-Sun. 9:30-4:30 pm

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    Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Sultanahmet Camii
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  • The history of the Sultanahmet Mosque, commonly referred to as the Blue Mosque, dates back to the year 1609, when it was commissioned to be built by Sultan Ahmet I. It was completed in the year 1616, much of it decorated with beautiful marble coming from the island of Marmara located in the nearby Sea of Marmara. The lovely blue tiles that cover the domes of the structure fit naturally with the name, but the Blue Mosque actually takes it's name from the Iznik ceramic tiles within it's interior, many of them blue in color. The huge courtyard in front, and it's 6 towering minarets (the Blue Mosque is the only mosque in Turkey with 6 minarets!) only add to the beauty of this one of a kind sight here in Istanbul.

  • Directions: Located in Sultanahmet, directly across from Ayasofya

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    Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Inside Of The Blue Mosque
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  • If you thought the outside of the Blue Mosque was impressive, wait until you step inside! As it is still a working mosque, shoes must be taken off before you enter the Blue Mosque. Bags are provided to place your shoes in before you enter though. The intricately decorated Iznik ceramic tiles surround the entire interior of the mosque, many of them blue in color, for which the mosque takes it's name. Several huge chandeliers dangle from above, and a small word of caution with these. Watch your head, at least if you are on the tall side, as they hang fairly low! I found this out a couple of times! :) The many windows with stained glass let in an immense amount of light, allowing for spectacular natural illumination within. The entire floor is covered in prayer rugs, which I would imagine makes this place quite an amazing sight at prayer time. as big as the interior is. Upon exiting, donations are encouraged, which i gladly gave to see this exquisite structure!

  • Directions: Located in Sultanahmet

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    Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): The Blue Mosque
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  • The Blue Mosque is perhaps one of the greatest works of architecture in the world. It is undoubtedly Istanbul’s most recognized symbol. I walked past it each day when I was in Istanbul and there was not a single moment when I didn’t marvel at its splendor. It was built for Sultan Ahmet I in 1617, across from Hagia Sophia. Its hilltop location and its proximity to the water make it visible from miles away. At night, floodlights add to the mosque’s charm. Although it is technically named the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, it is known to most tourists as the Blue Mosque because of its blue interior tiles.


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    Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Blue Mosque
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  • Blue Mosque seen from the northeast - Istanbul
    Blue Mosque seen from the
    northeast
    by AcornMan
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    For people unfamiliar with traditional Muslim architecture, the Blue Mosque is nothing short of a wonder. With its six spires and the blue hue from the stone it is built from, it is a magnificant site on the outside. Then after going inside your jaw will drop when you experience the stunning beauty of its tiled interior. Having never been in a big mosque like this before, I was in utter awe. But be courteous while inside, because the Blue Mosque is not just an interesting historical site, it is also a functioning mosque with people praying there throughout the day.

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  • Address: Right next to the Hippodrome

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