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Blue Mosque Istanbul:
The Blue Mosque is the more common name for the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It is one of the most historic mosques in Istanbul. It took 7 years to build and was completed in 1616 during the reign of Ahmed the 1st. The mosque has one main dome, eight secondary domes, and six minarets.
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The Blue Mosque is truly a work of art in my eyes. We had the chance to see inside of this great building during our trip to Istanbul. I would say this is one of the top 10 things to do in Istanbul. It is historic and the Moorish architecture simply wows!
It is intoxicating to think that the ancient Moors once walked in the same footsteps. It’s the same way l feel when l am in Rome and think of the ancient Romans. Living history, to say the least.
Blue Mosque:
The Blue Mosque is located in the aptly named SultanAhmet Square in the old part of Istanbul. One of the sweetest sound to my ears since l was a child is the first call to prayer in the early morning. To me, it signifies the start of a beautiful new day. It was so nice to stand in the square and listen to the call booming from the sound system. It was fantastic, as it was echoed by nearby mosques.
Make sure you’re prepared for travel interruption. travel insurance is essential.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque: Exterior:
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Our hotel was pretty close to the Blue Mosque, so we saw it daily, but we actually did not get to go in until the very last day. There was always such a big line that we passed on visiting every time. That last day though, it rained a lot, so there were fewer people. We were thrilled, as l had really wanted to see it.
Blue Mosque Dress Code:
- Head covering for women is a must. Recommend always to have a travel scarf
- Take off your shoes
- No shorts or skimpy outfits. This is a place of worship and shoulders covered. Abayas are provided at the entrance if needed.
- Keep your voice to a whisper
- Long trousers for men, but they can wear short sleeve shirts
To get in, you need to remove your shoes, so no holey socks :-). Your head must also be covered as a sign of respect. They did pass out scarves to people that needed one. I recommend dressing a bit demurely. A couple of girls were denied entry because of their skimpy outfits. It’s free entry, but you are not allowed in during worship.
*If you happen to visit during the wintertime, make sure to check out even more amazing places to visit in Istanbul.
Find hotels near the Blue Mosque here:
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Blue Mosque Ceiling: Astounding
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Why is it called Blue Mosque?
The mosque is called the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that cover the interior. There are more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles in tulip designs, just on the lower level. The upper levels have a lot of blue stained glass windows. It is a bit dark in there, despite all the hanging chandeliers. Everything in this Ottoman style mosque combined gives it a warm cozy feel, despite it’s largesse.
It’s hard to describe, but you feel like it’s just you and God, unaware of the thousands that might be beside you. I highly recommend checking it out if you get a chance to visit the wonderful city of Istanbul. There is a bazaar to the rear of the mosque and if you like high end gear, make sure to check it out, they have great quality knock-offs purchases, better than at the Grand Bazaar :-). It was quite a nice discovery for us.
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The shops, both outside and inside, rival the ones at any fancy mall. The goods are designer imitations, but of really high quality. I bought my sister a “Louis Vuitton” bag that looks just as good today (years later) as when l got it and she still gets compliments. I wish l’d bought more stuff to be honest.
Visiting The Blue Mosque:
Blue Mosque Opening Hours:
Since the Blue Mosque is still a functioning mosque, it is closed to tourists during prayer hours. Generally it opens:
8:30AM- 11:30AM
1PM- 2:30PM
3:30PM – 4:45PM
Fridays: 1:30PM
Pope Benedict XVI actually visited the Blue Mosque in 2006. He said “May all believers identify themselves with the one God and bear witness to true brotherhood”. With all the troubles in the world right now, it’s food for thought. I think a visit to the Istanbul Sultanahmet Blue Mosque should be part of any Istanbul itinerary. It was a highlight of our Istanbul trip and l recommend it highly.
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What do you think? Does the Blue Mosque sound like a place you would like to visit? Is Istanbul and a visit to the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet on your short list?
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Oooh…I LOVE Istanbul. It’s one of my fave cities in the world! Like you, we stayed near the Blue Mosque in Sultanahmet in a residential area a few blocks away. The evening we first got to Istanbul, the Blue Mosque was the first significant site we saw as we walked from our hotel to dinner, and it was all lit up and just spectacular. Like you, I also LOVE the morning call to prayer. It soothes my soul. When we went inside the mosque, we removed our shoes, but surprisingly, we women weren’t required to wear a head scarf. I was actually looking forward to donning a head scarf – lol. I absolutely love Turkey and I’m looking forward to returning to Istanbul and some of the coastal towns one of these days.
I can say without a doubt that Istanbul is one of my favorite places..ever! You hear it a lot, but it’s true, not hype. I look forward to discovering other parts of Turkey. I’m looking forward to the call this morning…it will be soon. 🙂 . I wonder if the covered head thing is recent. I don’t mind though, it was worth it.
Wow! Stunningly beautiful building. I can’t believe it was built in 1616!!
Made to last! Imagine how many gazillions of people have worshipped there over the years. It looks awesome. They don’t build things like they used to.
Stunning architecture, and the night shots are just amazing. Personally, I have never been fond of the muezzins call to prayer especially the early morning calls.
It is truly beautiful. You must love your sleep..lol! Is the call too early? 🙂 . I am hearing it now…
In Nairobi, the calls start at 5 am … yeah, i love my sleep 🙂
I think the real one starts at 4:45 am, they might have had a special call this time or something. Hah hah..I knew it! Morning grouch 🙂 . A lot of people feel the same way, but l don’t mind. I listen, enjoy and can usually go back to sleep.
That’s indeed extremely beautiful! I haven’t been to Istanbul, but visited Turkey and some smaller mosques… they are nothing compared to the Blue Mosque!
I want to go to the part you went to as well someday. We saw some smaller mosques too, but we did not bother going in..lol
I would love to see this, how beautiful! It looks simply beautiful as well, not overdone like many catholic cathedrals that I have seen/been too. We have many mosques here in Phuket (at least one in every province), but none as beautiful as this one. Thanks for sharing all about your time in Istanbul, you are causing me more and more to want to visit there! 🙂
Good!!! Now, we’re even because you are slowly making me want to visit Thailand!!! (Slowly.. 🙂 ). I never pictured mosques there either. We didn’t go to any others after seeing this one either..lol..
Wow, I’ve never thought of going to Istanbul. Beautiful pics as always.
Thanks. Oh..it is definitely worth a trip!!! You would love it! 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous photos! I’ve wanted to visit Istanbul for awhile now and I don’t know whats stopping me since I have family there! Thanks for sharing!
Happy travels 🙂
What??? Get thee to Istanbul pronto!!! 🙂 . You would love it, and how lucky to have family there too???? What are you waiting for? ;-). I can’t wait to visit there again!!!!
“…no holey socks” 🙂 Really gorgeous pictures and information. Istanbul is on my bucket list, and this makes me want to go even more. Surprised to learn that the Pope visited; a message of brotherhood couldn’t be more appropriate and poignant!
Hah hah! I’m glad someone has the same sense of humor..lol! I think l am going to out Istanbul, and Budapest back on my bucket list 🙂 . I really really liked it. I hope you make it out there, it’s worth it. Thanks for the compliment and comment.