Blue Mosque
A six-minaret masterpiece of blue tiles
Image credit: Pedro Szekely from Los Angeles, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0
About
Rising directly opposite Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, with its elegant cascading domes and rare six minarets, is one of the most magnificent elements of the Istanbul skyline. The blue tones of more than twenty thousand handmade İznik tiles adorning its interior have earned it the name "Blue Mosque." Light filtering through over two hundred stained-glass windows bathes the space in a different glow every hour; with its vast dome, columns and examples of calligraphy, it stirs a deep serenity in visitors. The mosque remains actively open for worship. The Sultanahmet Square before it, together with ancient remains such as the Obelisk and the Serpent Column, offers a pleasant walking route through the history-laden heart of the city.
History
Built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa on the order of Sultan Ahmed I. Its six minarets caused controversy at the time, and as it matched the number of minarets at the Kaaba in Mecca, a seventh minaret was added to the Kaaba.
Visiting Tips
- ✓Closed to visitors during prayer times — check the schedule
- ✓Dress to cover shoulders and knees when entering
- ✓Headscarves are provided free for women at the entrance
- ✓Carry your shoes in the bag provided
- ✓Don't miss the exterior illumination at sunset
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Blue Mosque?
Blue Mosque is located at Sultanahmet, Fatih, İstanbul in Istanbul.
When is the best time to visit Blue Mosque?
Recommended time: Spring and autumn, outside of prayer times.
Best time
Spring and autumn, outside of prayer times
City
Istanbul
Last updated: 2026-10-13
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