The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is an iconic monument in Istanbul, famous for its Turkish and Islamic art. Built between 1609 and 1616, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque is part of a public space that includes various facilities such as covered bazaars, Turkish baths, hospitals, schools, caravanserais, and a mausoleum for the sultan. The architect Mehmet Aga, who studied under the renowned architect Sinan, designed the mosque.

The mosque's interior has a centralized plan supported by four large columns with broad, pointed arches. It is adorned with over 20,000 Iznik tiles on the walls and ceilings, and the paintwork inside the domes is beautifully designed over gold leafing. The mosque is named after the blue paint that was used, but the original light blue color has been restored after later renovations and repairs.

The Blue Mosque

The floor of the mosque is covered with carpets, as is typical of most mosques. A marble pulpit and lodge, where the sultan would sit during prayer service to accommodate his height, are located opposite the main entrance. The building's 260 windows offer ample light into the interior space, which holds a dome 23.5 meters in diameter and 43 meters high.

The minarets of the mosque are a classic example of Turkish architecture, complete with balconies that can be reached via spiral stairs. Believers are called to prayer five times a day from these balconies, aided by loudspeakers in modern times. The Blue Mosque is a beautiful testament to the rich history and culture of Istanbul and Turkey.