Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ), Istanbul

by Narunj, 1 more photos
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The Blue Mosque is the heart of Istanbul. It is the place most visited by tourists in the city. It is a beautiful construction that was built as apposed to Hagia Sophia (see below) to show the might and power of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque became known in the west as the Blue Mosque because of the predominantly blue colouring of paintwork of the interior. The mosque was built in the beginning of the 17th century, by architect Sinan, who according to various sources, was of Armenian origin.

By the time I was in Istanbul, the Ministry of Culture of Istanbul organized an interesting event every evening near the Blue Mosque. The story of the creation of the Mosque was read in English, French and Turkish languages while the lights of the Mosque and the minarets gradually went on.

To enter the Mosque, everyone is asked to take off the shoes. Tourists are not allowed in the Mosque during namaz.

The entrance to the mosque is free.

Directions: Sultanahmet Area


	Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Interior of Blue Mosque	Tip Rating:

Updated By pabertra

on October 29, 2004

by pabertra
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Interior of Blue Mosque

The interior of the Blue Mosque is gorgeous when illuminated by the natural light coming through the stained glass windows. The blue tiles shine with brilliance. All of the little cables are used to suspend the huge chandelier like structures that hold small candles, that are supposed to appear as free floating stars.


	Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): The Blue Mosque	Tip Rating:

Updated By Luchonda

on September 19, 2005

by Luchonda, 4 more photos
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Inner Sultanahmet

Ask a local where to find "The blue Mosque" - the answer might be "?".
This mosque is known by the name "Sultanahmet" and by the way - one of the central highlights of Istanbul and recognisable on one of the seven hills in the town, so rather easy to find.


	Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): The Blue Mosque Blues	Tip Rating:

By mrclay2000

on February 27, 2003

by mrclay2000
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Blue Mosque and fountain
reflections

Apart from the carpet dealers and simit vendors who swarm this place, the mosque itself is difficult to photograph. The orientation of the entire building and courtyards somewhat conforms to the layout of Old Stamboul, but while St Sophia better faces the golden sunrise, the Blue Mosque turns its silver back on the aurora.


	Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Islamic Illumination	Tip Rating:

By mrclay2000

on February 28, 2003

by mrclay2000
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Islamic script, dome of the
Blue Mosque

Around the major mosque complexes but especially at the Blue Mosque, gilted Islamic inscriptions are a fundamental part of Islamic art. Across the Hippodrome from the Blue Mosque in the museum, you can verify this by seeing Koran after illuminated Koran.


	Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Blue Mosque	Tip Rating:

By leffe3

on November 3, 2002

by leffe3
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The Blue Mosque is probably the most famous landmark in Istanbul - and deservedly so. Its grace, its suggested delicacy (amazing considering its size) is truly impressive. And the location certianly helps, sitting as it does overlooking the Sea of Marmora and surrounded by lovely parks.


	Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Blue Mosque Shivers	Tip Rating:

By mrclay2000

on February 27, 2003

by mrclay2000
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Sultanahmet from the galleries
of St Sophia

When it snows, and the skies are sulky gray rather than salmon from the rampant pollution, the various domes of St Sophia and Sultanahmet take on an ashen hue. The relative distance between the two buildings is somewhat misleading in the photo. They are separated by less than two minutes on foot.


	Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Breathtaking Blue Mosque	Tip Rating:

Updated By Lunamagica

on February 6, 2003

by Lunamagica
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.....no words can accurately describe Sultanahmet Camii.......also known as the Blue Mosque, I think (if I remember well) either because of the blue tint the evening/night light gives to it (unfortunately I have yet to experience it at night) or because of the blue Iznik tiles inside..... No matter: once inside, breathe in the mystical atmosphere, helped by the hundreds of lights hanging from the breathtaking dome (although nothing can come close to the Aya Sofya inside dome, in my humble opinion...) .... but please, always remember, this is a Mosque that is filled with hundreds (thousands!) of worshippers every day at the calls to prayer, so.... please, always remember to respect their purpose, which is, indeed, to pray: if you do go inside, don't wear shorts or 'revealing' clothes, take off your shoes upon entrance, and girls - cover your head with a scarf (provided at the entrance!!) and don't stare at the people praying.....Enjoy the experience!

Address: Sultanahmet

Directions: take the WONDERFULLY reliable, clean Metro to Sultanahmet. You can't miss it once you get off the metro stop.


	Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Blue Mosque	Tip Rating:

By ania70pl

on October 3, 2002

by ania70pl
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Built on the orders of Sultan Ahmet I and still bearing his name, the Blue Mosque of Sultanahmet dominates the Hippodrome area which has always been the center of the city. It was projected by Mehmet Aga and took 7 years to build. The Sultan himself joined the builders on several occasions to lend a hand.


	Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet ): Sultanahmet Camii	Tip Rating:

Updated By MM212

on October 12, 2007