The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Istanbul, Turkey. It is a historic mosque built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of the Ottoman Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque is renowned for its distinctive blue tiles, and its six minarets that rise up from the four sides of the mosque.
Architecture
The mosque is built in the traditional Ottoman style, with a central dome and four smaller domes surrounding it. The mosque is surrounded by four minarets, two of which are higher than the other two. The interior of the mosque is decorated with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles, which give the mosque its distinctive blue color. The walls and ceilings of the mosque are decorated with beautiful calligraphy and intricate geometric designs.
History
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, who was the 10th Sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Construction of the mosque began in 1609 and was completed in 1616. It was built to replace an earlier mosque that was destroyed by fire. The mosque was built on the site of the ancient Hippodrome, which was once the center of Byzantine Constantinople.
Features
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is one of the most impressive mosques in Istanbul, and is considered to be one of the most important monuments in the city. It features a number of impressive features, including:
- Six minarets
- A large central dome
- Four smaller domes surrounding the central dome
- More than 20,000 Iznik tiles
- Intricate calligraphy and geometric designs on the walls and ceilings
Visiting the Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is open to visitors from 9am to 5pm daily, and admission is free. Visitors should note that the mosque is a place of worship and should dress appropriately when visiting. Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque, and women must cover their heads.
Prayer Times
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque holds five daily prayers. The times are as follows:
- Fajr: 5:30am
- Dhuhr: 12:00pm
- Asr: 4:00pm
- Maghrib: 6:30pm
- Isha: 8:00pm
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a beautiful and historic mosque that is a must-see for any visitor to Istanbul. It is a stunning example of Ottoman architecture and is sure to leave a lasting impression.