Blue Mosque

A beautiful and elaborate place of worship, the Blue Mosque is the most important legacy of a roguish Ottoman Sultan.

TravelCurious Tip

Time your visit carefully: prayer happens five times a day, the mosque closing for 90 minutes each time. And don’t forget to wear appropriately modest clothing.

Feeling blue

One of Istanbul’s most iconic buildings, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque was built in the early 17th century as an audacious reassertion of Ottoman power. It combines Byzantine Christian elements (as in the nearby Hagia Sophia) with traditional Islamic design in a stunning and intricate construction.

The mosque is famed for its magnificent blue interior. It is lined with over 20,000 handmade Iznik ceramic tiles in over 50 different designs, increasing in flamboyance from the lower levels up to the galleries. The upper levels are set with more than 200 stained-glass windows - the coloured glass was originally gifted by the Signoria of Venice - and enhanced by chandeliers. Gilded and set with gems, the chandeliers also intriguingly feature ostrich eggs at their centre, which are believed to repel spiders and insects.

Its mihrab - a niche in the wall that indicates the direction of Mecca - is a spectacular work of carved marble, and the minbar (the raised platform from which the Imam addresses a congregation) is richly embellished with perforated gold.


A bold statement

The outside of the mosque is just as impressive. Its huge central dome symbolises the Prophet himself as the radiant sun of the Islamic faith. Sultan Ahmet - already under fire for using public funds for the mosque, as he had no spoils of victory at his disposal - was accused of overstepping the mark by adding six minarets, the same number that adorn the Al-Haram mosque in Mecca; he solved the issue by adding a seventh minaret to Mecca’s mosque.

Adjoining the mosque is a vast courtyard, about the same size as the prayer hall itself. It is surrounded by vaulted arcades featuring ablution facilities, and over its western entrance hangs a heavy iron chain - this was to ensure that the Sultan had to bow his head as he entered in a display of humility.

Nearby Attractions

See all attractions in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
The height of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sophia is one of Istanbul’s must-see attractions.
Grand Bazaar
One of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar is the ultimate shopping spot.
Basilica Cistern
Hidden beneath the city is a vast and mysterious space, crowded with ancient Roman columns.
Hippodrome of Constantinople
The ancient pleasures of Constantinople are brought to life in this stunning historic site.
Istiklal Street
Istanbul’s ‘Independence Avenue’ is a popular promenade filled with galleries, bookstores, cafés and more.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
Once the palace of Ibrahim Pasha, this museum houses a unique collection of calligraphy, tiles and rugs.

Related Tours

Istanbul Half-Day Private Tour : Blue Mosque, Hagia Sofia, Grand Bazaar & Spice Market
This whistle-stop tour of Istanbul's highlights is great for those who wish to cover a lot of ground in a short space of time. On your private tour with transport, you will:

  • Enjoy the comforts of a private vehicle throughout the tour, including hotel pick-up and drop-off;
  • Enjoy the personalized attention of your private licensed guide;
  • Marvel at the elegance of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), famed for its 6 minarets and beautiful blue decorative tiles;
  • Take in the grandeur of Hagia Sophia as you enjoy a fully guided tour of one of the most important Byzantine structures in the world;
  • Expertly navigate through the Grand Bazaar and learn about Turkish trade and local traditions;
  • Step away from the beaten path as your local guide introduces you to his/her favorite local café and artisans!;
  • End the tour by tasting Turkish delights, and taking in the vibrant colors and scents of the Spice Market. 

Note: The Blue Mosque is a religious place of worship, so please dress respectfully. Shoulders and legs must be covered, and head coverings are available at the mosque entrance for free. You will also be given a bag at entry in which to put your shoes.

In this amazing half-day highlights tour of Istanbul, you will have the chance to be fully immersed in the history and culture of this great city. Your first stop will be the absolutely stunning Blue Mosque, the 17th-century triumph of Sultan Ahmet I, and one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul. Look out for the mosque's unique undulating exterior featuring myriad domes and six slender minarets. Gorgeous blue Iznik tiles adorn the interior, giving the building its unique name. 

Venturing forth to the Hagia Sophia, commissioned by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, consecrated as a church in 537, converted to a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453, and finally promoted as a museum by Atatürk in 1935- you will find the exquisite artistry of Byzantine architecture and rich history of the region than this great temple.

As you enter the Hagia Sophia, you can not help but be awestruck by the utter beauty of the extraordinary architecture and the sense of the divine that will envelop you inside. The walls are covered with astonishing biblical images that miraculously have survived a tumultuous history. Do not feel overwhelmed, as your expert city guide will be talking you through the fascinating history of the building, as well as the significance of the iconography and art you will find there.

Your final stop will be at the colorful Grand Bazaar and Spice Market. You will feel immersed in the ancient marketplace, exploring your way down narrow lanes to watch craftsmen and artists at work, whilst stopping for an obligatory Turkish treat and cup of mint tea. 
Istanbul's Old City: Full-Day Private All Inclusive Highlights Tour
With this full-day highlights tour of Istanbul, you will gain a culturally-rich experience of both European and Asian traditions. On your full-day tour, you will:

  • Enjoy the comforts of a private vehicle throughout the tour, including hotel pick-up and drop-off;
  • Enjoy the personalized attention of your private licensed guide;
  • Hear stories of the Ottoman sultans as you wander through the Topkapı Palace (tickets included);
  • Visit the recently renovated Harem section of the Topkapi Palace (tickets included);
  • Explore the Hagia Irene, a hidden gem in the outer courtyard of Topkapı Palace;
  • Learn about Istanbul's rich and exciting history at the Hippodrome of Constantinople;
  • Marvel at the elegance of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque), famed for its 6 minarets and beautiful blue decorative tiles;
  • Take in the grandeur of Hagia Sophia as you enjoy a fully guided tour of one of the most important Byzantine structures in the world;
  • Pause for a traditional Turkish lunch (not included in the price);
  • Descend beneath the city into the otherworldly Serefiye Cistern,  the oldest building in the world with a 360° projection mapping system;
  • Expertly navigate through the Grand Bazaar and learn about Turkish trade and local traditions;
  • End the tour by the Galata Bridge with a magnificent view, or enjoy a private transfer back to your hotel or the preferred location. 

In this full-day highlights tour of the great city of Istanbul, you will have the pleasure of visiting some of the most iconic attractions of the city, accompanied by your knowledgeable expert city guide. Starting with the Hippodrome of Constantinople, once used as an ancient Roman running and chariot racing track, and the epicenter of Byzantine life. 

You will then head to the absolutely stunning Blue Mosque, one of the most beautiful buildings in Istanbul, which was the 17th-century triumph of Sultan Ahmet I. Look for the mosque's unique undulating exterior, featuring myriad domes and six slender minarets. Gorgeous blue Iznik tiles adorn the interior, giving the building its unique name. 

Venturing forth to the Hagia Sophia, commissioned by the Byzantine emperor Justinian, consecrated as a church in 537, converted to a mosque by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1453, and finally promoted as a museum by Atatürk in 1935- you will find the exquisite artistry of Byzantine architecture and rich history of the region than this great temple.

You will be pleased to pause for a delicious traditional Turkish lunch (not included in the price), after which you will be immersed in the fascinating history of Topkapi Palace. Extremely opulent, it was once the residence of countless Ottoman sultans from the 15th to the 19th century. Look for the palace's fabulous pavilions, unbelievable Treasury, and formal rooms, and don't miss the magnificent Harem rooms!

You will then venture underground to the awe-inspiring Serefiye Cistern, where you will learn about its impressive construction.  It is the oldest building in the world with a 360° projection mapping system. Finishing off this once-in-a-lifetime tour, you will visit the colorful Grand Bazaar, which was built by Mehmet the Conqueror in 1461. Explore the narrow lanes to watch craftsmen and artists at work, whilst stopping for an obligatory cup of traditional Turkish tea. End the tour by the Galata Bridge with a magnificent view or enjoy a private transfer back to your hotel or the preferred location. 
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