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Sultanahmet - The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

 
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Legend
  • History & Culture travel tip
  • City center
Distance from city center: 1.1mi
blackangel_66's pictureby blackangel_66 History & Culture travel tip
added on the 9th of December, 2009
It's official name is Sultanahmet, after Ahmet I, who ordered it's construction. It is next to Hagia Sophia, but it's six minarets and cascading domes dominate the view of the city.

There was some scandal, because only the Great Haram Mosque had six minarets, but the sultan solved the problem: he sent his architect to add one more minaret to the Haram Mosque. Smart guy!

The mosque got it's unofficial name (Blue Mosque) for the 20,000 blue tiles that decorate the high ceiling in the inside of it. It is a breathtaking view how the shiny tiles wave across the ceiling forming flowers, trees and other shapes.

There are also 260 windows on the mosque with beautiful (although not original) stained glass. It is one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen.

Address:
Sultanahmet
Istanbul

Price:
FREE!

Opening Hours:
Daily from 9am to 6pm, except for the praying times, half an hour five times per day.

 
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