......the name "Blue Mosque" comes from the blue
tiles inside....
The Blue Mosque in the Old City of Istanbul is so named
because of the beautiful blue Iznik tiles decorating the interior. Officially
called the 'Sultan Ahmet Mosque' by local people, it was built by Sultan Ahmet
in 1609 and completed 7 years later...
WHAT TO SEE...
- Six minarets – one of the most notable features of the
Blue Mosque is visible from far away . this is very unique as mosque have four,
two, or one minarate.
- Cascade of domes - The other striking feature of the
exterior is the beautifully-arranged cascade of domes that seem to
spill down from the great central dome. The arcades running beneath each dome
add further visual rhythm. None of the exterior is blue.
- West entrance &
north entrance - The main west entrance is beautifully decorated and
very much worth a look. However, to preserve the mosque's sanctity,
non-worshippers are required to use the north entrance, off the
Hippodrome.
- blue tiles- the high ceiling is lined
with the 20,000 blue tiles that give the mosque its popular name
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| Side view of the Blue Mosque at dawn. |
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| Sweeping view of the interior |
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| Abeautiful tiled dome in the Blue Mosque. |
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| Rear (east) view of the exterior. |
NON - MUSLIM VISITORS..
- Here is the some direction for non - muslim to enter the Mosque. Plan your visit to the Sultanahmet area of
Istanbul, so that you better arrive mid morning. Pray happens five times a day
with the first call to prayer at sunrise and the last one at nightfall.The
mosque closes for 90 minutes at each pray time.Avoid visiting a mosque at pray
time (Especially Midday praying on Friday) or within a half hour after the ezan
is chanted from the Mosque minarets.
- Before step in to Mosque, take off your shoes and put in
plastic bags provided at the entrance(Free of Charge). This is required of all
persons as part of Muslim tradition when entering a mosque. There is also no
charge to enter the Blue Mosque.
- If you are women wear a head covering when entering to
Blue Mosque.Head coverings are available at the Blue Mosque entrance for free.
Place the fabric cover on top of your head with equal portions hanging on both
sides. Take one side and wrap it around your neck, tossing it behind your back
with covering your shoulders. Don't cover your face, the covering is meant to
hide your hair only.
- When you are inside the mosque, remain quiet and don't use
flash photography.Since this is a place of worship, avoid staring or
taking picture of those who are praying.Visit the mosque respectfully and
quietly.At the Mosque exit, you can put used plastic bags in designated bin
bags and return head covers to duty staff.
- You can do donation to help maintain the Mosque at the exit
door.It is not compulsory, but if you make donation you will get the official
receipt for it.
FESTIVALS & EVENTS
- On summer evenings at 9pm, there is a historical narrative
and a light show at the Blue Mosque. The commentaries are given in Turkish,
English, French and German on various evenings.
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Fountain in the Blue Mosque
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How to get there....
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