Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Cami)
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Blue Mosque, Istanbul - by Adli Wahid on Unsplash
Description
The Blue Mosque, also called Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul most iconic monuments. It was constructed in the early 17th century during the rule of Ahmed I and owe its name to the hand-painted blue tiles on its interior walls. Architecturally, it is notable for its six minarets and thirteen domes (5 main and 8 secondary), and it incorporates many Byzantine elements found in neighbouring Hagia Sophia. Its interior is heavily ornamented with 20,000 hand-painted glazed ceramic, 200 stained-glass windows and massive chandeliers.
Access & Transport
The mosque is located next to the old Constantinople Hippodrome / Sultanahmet Square. The Sultanahmet tram station (T1) is 300m away.
Instructions & Recommendations
Note that there was considerable renovation work inside the building at the time of this review. Please check prayer times in advance and make sure you are appropriately dressed. The opening hours for tourists are from 08:30 until one hour before dusk each day, excluding 90 minutes each prayer time, and two hours during Friday noon prayers. Link to Istanbul prayer times: https://namazvakitleri.diyanet.gov.tr/en-US/9541/prayer-time-for-istanbul
Environmental & Social
No environmental impact and helps preserve the city's architectural and historical heritage
Conclusion
The competition for the most spectacular mosque has a strong field but the Blue Mosque of Istanbul is definitely up there in contention. We prefer the interior of Hagia Sophia or Süleymaniye but the minarets, domes and proportion really have something special and unforgettable about them.
Key positive
Gorgeous architecture
Centrally located and free entrance
Key negative
Heavy renovation work inside (at the time of this review)
Suitability
No religious denomination restriction but it is important to dress properly and avoid prayer times. Wheelchair users will need to transfer to the mosque's own equipment before accessing the carpeted areas
About this Rating
TYPE
Onsite
RESEARCHED IN
May 2024
PROVIDER
Koreval
av. transport time:0h 20m
est. visit time:0h 45m
MONDAY08:30 - 11:30
TUESDAY08:30 - 11:30
WEDNESDAY08:30 - 11:30
THURSDAY08:30 - 11:30
FRIDAY -
SATURDAY08:30 - 11:30
SUNDAY08:30 - 11:30
MONDAY13:00 - 17:00
TUESDAY13:00 - 17:00
WEDNESDAY13:00 - 17:00
THURSDAY13:00 - 17:00
FRIDAY14:00 - 17:00
SATURDAY13:00 - 17:00
SUNDAY13:00 - 17:00