Blue Mosque is a historical mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It is also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, and it is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The mosque was built in the early 17th century by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I, and it is still one of the most visited places in Istanbul.
History of Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque was constructed in 1609-1616, during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque was built on the site of the earlier palace of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, and it was meant to be a grandiose symbol of Ottoman rule in the city. The mosque was designed by Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, an Ottoman court architect. It was the first mosque in Istanbul to be built with six minarets, and the interior of the mosque is covered with more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles. This is where the mosque got its name from.
Architecture of Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is a large and impressive building, with a central dome that is 43 meters high and 23 meters in diameter. It is flanked by two minarets, each standing at 54 meters. The mosque is surrounded by four smaller domes and four half-domes. The interior of the mosque is decorated with intricate Iznik tiles and calligraphic inscriptions from the Quran. The mosque also features many large stained-glass windows and numerous marble columns.
Features of Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. It is one of the largest mosques in the world and its size and beauty have been admired by visitors for centuries. The mosque also features a number of important features, such as:
- Mihrab: The Mihrab is an ornate prayer niche that indicates the direction of Mecca.
- Minbar: The Minbar is a pulpit where the Imam stands to deliver sermons.
- Hünkar Mahfili: The Hünkar Mahfili is a section of the mosque that is reserved for the Sultan and his family.
- Hagia Sophia: The Hagia Sophia is a nearby Byzantine church that was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul.
Attractions at Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul. Visitors can explore the mosque’s interior and admire its beautiful decorations. The mosque also has a number of other attractions, such as:
- Museum: The Blue Mosque has a museum where visitors can learn more about the history of the mosque and its architecture.
- Tomb: The tomb of Sultan Ahmed I is located in the mosque and is a popular attraction for visitors.
- Tours: Visitors can take guided tours of the mosque and its surrounding areas.
Conclusion
The Blue Mosque is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul and it is a popular tourist attraction. The mosque was built in the early 17th century by the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I, and it is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture. The mosque is covered with more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles, and it features a number of important features, such as the Mihrab, Minbar, and Hünkar Mahfili. The mosque also has a museum and a tomb of Sultan Ahmed I, and visitors can take guided tours of the mosque and its surrounding areas.