Six minarets and 20,000 blue İznik tiles inside. Still an active mosque.
Address: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul
Sultan Ahmed I built the mosque between 1609 and 1616, when he was still in his twenties, to rival Hagia Sophia across the square. Its architect, Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, was a student of the great Mimar Sinan.
It is called the Blue Mosque because of the more than 20,000 hand-painted İznik tiles in shades of blue and green inside. Its six minarets caused a stir at the time, as only the Grand Mosque of Mecca had as many. A major restoration finished in 2023.
All year; spring and autumn are most comfortable.
Early morning, after the dawn prayer and before tour groups.
Closed to tourists for about 90 minutes around each prayer, and on Friday until mid-afternoon.
Well-known hotels within easy reach. Check prices and availability for your dates.
Luxury hotel in a former prison between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
See pricesYes, entry is free. Donations are welcome.
Because of the blue İznik tiles that cover its interior.
During the five daily prayers and on Friday until about mid-afternoon.
