Blue Mosque Guided Tour

Istanbul E-pass includes Blue Mosque Tour with English speaking Professional Guide. For details, please check "Hours & Meeting."

Blue Mosque Istanbul

Located in the old city's heart, it is the most famous mosque in Istanbul and Turkey. Known by the name Blue Mosque, the original name of the mosque is Sultanahmet Mosque. The tiles design the Blue Mosque interior, which is named a Blue Mosque. These tiles come from the most famous tile-producing city in Turkey, Iznik.

The tradition of naming mosques in the Ottoman Era is simple. The mosques are named after giving the mosque's order and spending money for the construction. For this reason, the majority of the mosques carry the name of those people. Another tradition is that the name of the region comes from the biggest mosque in that region. For this reason, there are three Sultanahmet. One is the mosque, one is the Sultan who gave the order for the mosque, and the third is the Sultanahmet area.

What are the Opening Times of the Blue Mosque?

As the Blue Mosque is a functioning mosque, it is open from the morning prayer till the night prayer. Prayer times depend on the position of the sun. For that reason, opening times for prayers are changing throughout the year.

Visiting time of the mosque for visitors starts at 08:30 and opens until 16:30. Visitors can only see inside between the prayers. The visitors are asked to wear proper outfits and remove their shoes while going in. The mosque provides scarves and skirts for the ladies and plastic bags for the shoes.

There is no entrance fee or reservation for the mosque. if you are in the vicinity and there is no prayer in the mosque, you can go in and see the mosque. A guided tour of the Blue Mosque is free with an Istanbul E-pass.

How to get to the Blue Mosque

From the old city hotels; Take the T1 tram up to Sultanahmet tram station. The Mosque is within walking distance of the tram station.

From the Sultanahmet hotels; The Mosque is within walking distance to the majority of the hotels in the Sultanahmet area.

From the Taksim hotels; Take the funicular from Taksim Square to Kabatas. From Kabatas, take the T1 tram to Sultanahmet tram station. The Mosque is within walking distance of the tram station.

The Blue Mosque History

The Blue Mosque Istanbul Location

The Blue Mosque Istanbul is located right in front of the Hagia Sophia. For this reason, there are lots of stories about the construction of these mosques. The question comes from the need for a mosque in front of the biggest mosque back in Hagia Sophia. There are stories related to rivalry or togetherness. The Sultan ordered the mosque because he wanted to rival the sheer size of Hagia Sophia is the first idea. The second idea says the Sultan wanted to show the symbol and the Ottomans' power right in front of the biggest Roman building ever.

The Construction of The Blue Mosque

We will never be sure what the Sultan thought back then, but we are confident about one thing. The Mosque was constructed between the years 1609-1617. It took around 7 years to build one of the biggest mosques in Istanbul back then. This also shows the power of the Ottoman Empire back in the time. To be able to decorate the mosque, they used more than 20,000 individual iznik tile panels. including handmade tiles, carpets, stain glass windows, and calligraphy decoration of the mosque, 7 years is quite a fast construction time.

Ottoman Era Mosques

There are more than 3,300 mosques in Istanbul. All of the mosques may seem similar, but there are 3 main groups of the Ottoman Era mosques. The Blue Mosque is a Classical Era construction. That means the mosque has a central dome with four elephant legs (central columns) and classical Ottoman decoration.

The Six Minarets Myth

Another importance of this mosque is that this is the only mosque having six minarets. The minaret is the tower where the people were making calls to prayers in the old days. According to the myth, Sultan Ahmed i ordered a gold mosque, and the Architect of the Mosque misunderstood him and made a mosque with six minarets. Gold and six in the Turkish language are similar. (Gold - Altin) – (Six - Alti)

Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga

The mosque architect, Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, was an apprentice for the most prominent Ottoman Empire architect, the great Architect Sinan. Sedefkar means the pearl master. The decoration of some of the cupboards inside the Mosque out of pearls is the Architect's work.

The Blue Mosque Complex

The Blue Mosque is not just a mosque but a complex. An Ottoman mosque complex should have some other additions on the side. in the 17th century, the Blue Mosque had a university (madrasah), accommodation centers for pilgrims, houses for the people working in the mosque, and a marketplace. Out of these constructions, universities and the market are still visible today.

What makes the Blue Mosque one of the most Important landmarks in Istanbul?

The Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s most iconic and significant landmarks, both architecturally and historically. its strategic location, directly opposite the Hagia Sophia, makes it a central figure in Istanbul’s skyline. The mosque's unique architectural design, with its grand central dome and six minarets, symbolizes the power and grandeur of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque also represents the blending of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles, serving as a physical bridge between different empires and cultures. its rich history, stunning iznik tiles, and cultural significance make it a must-see for both visitors and locals. As a functioning mosque, it is an active center of worship, offering a glimpse into istanbul’s spiritual and cultural life.

Why Is the Blue Mosque also called Sultanahmet Mosque?

The Blue Mosque is commonly referred to by locals and visitors alike as the Sultanahmet Mosque, named after the district in which it is located. Sultan Ahmed i, who commissioned its construction, gave the mosque its formal name, Sultanahmet Mosque, as a tribute to his reign. However, it is known as the Blue Mosque due to the striking blue tiles that decorate the interior of the mosque. These iznik tiles, which cover much of the walls, create an enchanting effect, particularly when light filters through the windows, giving the mosque its iconic blue glow. This dual identity highlights both the mosque’s physical attributes and its historical connection to Sultan Ahmed I.

What Is the Role of the Blue Mosque in the History of Ottoman Architecture?

The Blue Mosque is considered one of the greatest achievements of Ottoman architecture, showcasing the empire’s architectural prowess at its zenith. Designed by the architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga, a student of the renowned Sinan, the mosque is a quintessential example of the classical Ottoman style. It combines Byzantine elements, such as the central dome and expansive interior spaces, with the Ottoman style's traditional features like minarets, calligraphy, and Iznik tiles. The mosque’s design influenced many subsequent structures within the empire, setting the standard for future mosques and public buildings. Its architectural innovations also marked the transition to a more monumental style in the Ottoman Empire’s later years.

What Were the Reasons Behind the Construction of the Blue Mosque?

The construction of the Blue Mosque was driven by both religious and political motivations. Sultan Ahmed I sought to establish a mosque that would rival the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, symbolizing the power and dominance of the Ottoman Empire. The mosque's location, directly opposite Hagia Sophia, further emphasizes this symbolic rivalry. Additionally, the Sultan's desire to leave a lasting legacy and provide a significant religious structure for the people of Istanbul played a key role. The mosque was intended to serve as a place of worship for the community and to demonstrate the empire's wealth and cultural sophistication. The combination of religious devotion, political ambition, and architectural innovation led to the creation of this magnificent structure.

How Long Did It Take to Construct the Blue Mosque?

The construction of the Blue Mosque took approximately seven years, from 1609 to 1617. This relatively short construction time reflects the power of the Ottoman Empire at the height of its influence, as well as the dedication and resources available to complete such an ambitious project. Despite the rapid construction, the mosque’s interior is adorned with over 20,000 Iznik tiles, stained glass windows, carpets, and intricate calligraphy, all crafted with extraordinary attention to detail. The swift completion of the mosque highlights the efficiency of Ottoman architects and craftsmen and demonstrates the empire’s ability to mobilize resources to achieve monumental architectural feats in a short time.