The Blue Mosque is the biggest Mosque in Istanbul and it is the only Mosque in Turkey with 6 minarets.
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The BLUE MOSQUE(SULTAN AHMET CAMISI)
The Blue Mosque is probably Istanbul's most famous landmark and it is the only mosque in Turkey with six minarets. It is located just in the heart of old town and faces the Hagia Sophia Museum (Ayasofya Müzesi). The Blue Mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet the 1st, between 1609-1616 in Sultanahmet Square.
This magnificent mosque is the biggest mosque in Istanbul and created by architect -Sedefkar Mehmet Aga- and is called the 'Blue Mosque' because of it's hand painted Iznik tiles that were used during it's construction.
The mosque's dimensions are 64m X 72m (213ft X 239ft). The massive scale of this mosque is best appreciated from a distance.
The interior consists of open spaces and very impressive columns. The ceiling of the dome is painted with Arabic patterns.
Fine IZNIK tile work line the lower walls, the doors and windows and the carved stone of the mihrab and mimber.
Exterior light pours from the 260 stained-glass windows and from the dome; 141 feet high which is supported by four enormous circular pillars.
The city of IZNIK (formerly known as NICEA) is still very famous for it's tile work and is another historical city which is located 100km/65mi east of Istanbul near 'Lake Iznik', south of IZMIT. Iznik originally was an important Roman and Byzantine town, it fell to the Seljuks in 1078 and subsequently to the Ottomans in 1331.
For those of you who will visit Istanbul, SULTAN AHMET SQUARE (Sultanahmet Meydani) is a must see.
This entire area is filled with rich history. With so much to see and do we recommend spending at least two days here.
You also should take particular note of the surrounding wooden houses located in the neighborhood, particularly the 18th century homes on Sogukçesme Street. Some of these old houses have been converted to hotels now. For more information, please see Where to stay in Istanbul.
In November 2006, during his three day visit to Turkey, Pope Benedict XVI visited the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii).
Pope Benedict XVI became the second pontiff to pray silently in a gesture of reconciliation to the Muslim (Moslem) world. The late John Paul II had visited a Mosque in Damascus during a trip to Syria.
Pope Benedict XVI toured the Blue Mosque accompanied by Mr.Ali Bardakoglu, the Minister of Religions Affairs. The Grand Muftu of Istanbul, Mr. Mustafa Cagri explained to him the Mosque's history and architecture. "I AM LEAVING HALF OF MY HEART IN ISTANBUL" Benedict XVI said, after releasing white doves into the air in the garden of St.Esprit Church, on his last day in Turkey.
Sultanahmet Mosque is Istanbul's most respected and busiest Mosque, especially during Friday worship and public funerals.
During the tourist season there are light and sound shows in the evenings. Ask about this to your travel agency or hotel.
We suggest not to visit any Mosque during Friday noon prayers.
Don't miss the carpet and rug dealers during your visit to Turkey. Turkish carpets are among the finest in the world, notably carpets made in Hereke which are made from fine, double-knotted, wool or silk. But shop around for the best price because almost everything in Turkey is negotiable.
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This magnificent mosque is the biggest mosque in Istanbul and created by architect -Sedefkar Mehmet Aga- and is called the 'Blue Mosque' because of it's hand painted Iznik tiles that were used during it's construction.
Fine IZNIK tile work line the lower walls, the doors and windows and the carved stone of the mihrab and mimber.
For those of you who will visit Istanbul, SULTAN AHMET SQUARE (Sultanahmet Meydani) is a must see.
This entire area is filled with rich history. With so much to see and do we recommend spending at least two days here.
Pope Benedict XVI became the second pontiff to pray silently in a gesture of reconciliation to the Muslim (Moslem) world. The late John Paul II had visited a Mosque in Damascus during a trip to Syria.
Sultanahmet Mosque is Istanbul's most respected and busiest Mosque, especially during Friday worship and public funerals.
