• About
    • Explore The Other Tour
    • 2025 Itinerary
    • Common Questions Answered
    • The Other Tour Reviews
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Istanbul
    • Tour Guides
    • Attractions
    • Tours
    • Neighborhoods
    • Eat & Drink
    • Stay
    • Shop
  • Turkey
    • Turkey Tours
    • Destinations
    • Istanbul
    • Cappadocia
    • Ephesus
    • Pamukkale
    • Antalya
    • Bodrum
  • Services
    • Private Tours
    • Daily City Tours
    • Made-to-order Travel
    • Hire a tour guide
    • Unique Activities
    • Airport Transfers
    • Hotel Selection
    • Vacation Booking
    • Corporate Group Tours
    • Culinary Tours
    • Event Planning
    • Istanbul Layover Tours
    • Family Time
  • Blog
    • TOP 5 ISTANBUL
    • Events
    • Documentary
    • History
    • News
    • All
No Result
View All Result
  • About
    • Explore The Other Tour
    • 2025 Itinerary
    • Common Questions Answered
    • The Other Tour Reviews
    • About Us
    • Contact
  • Istanbul
    • Tour Guides
    • Attractions
    • Tours
    • Neighborhoods
    • Eat & Drink
    • Stay
    • Shop
  • Turkey
    • Turkey Tours
    • Destinations
    • Istanbul
    • Cappadocia
    • Ephesus
    • Pamukkale
    • Antalya
    • Bodrum
  • Services
    • Private Tours
    • Daily City Tours
    • Made-to-order Travel
    • Hire a tour guide
    • Unique Activities
    • Airport Transfers
    • Hotel Selection
    • Vacation Booking
    • Corporate Group Tours
    • Culinary Tours
    • Event Planning
    • Istanbul Layover Tours
    • Family Time
  • Blog
    • TOP 5 ISTANBUL
    • Events
    • Documentary
    • History
    • News
    • All
No Result
View All Result

Blue Mosque

The Imperial Ottoman mosque from the 17th century

TheOtherTour by TheOtherTour
February 25, 2025
in Istanbul Attractions, Istanbul Travel Blog
Reading Time: 4 mins read
A A
2

Istanbul, the vibrant and bustling city located in Turkey, is a melting pot of different cultures and religions. The city is filled with a rich history, culture, and stunning architecture that has drawn tourists from around the world for centuries. One of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul is the Blue Mosque, which is a masterpiece of Islamic/Ottoman architecture and a symbol of the city’s religious and cultural heritage.

History

The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is located in the historical center of Istanbul and was built in the early 17th century. It was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, who ruled the Ottoman Empire from 1603 to 1617. The mosque was designed by the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa and took seven years to build. It was completed in 1616 and has been a prominent feature of Istanbul‘s silhouette ever since.

Architecture

The Blue Mosque is renowned for its exquisite architecture and intricate design. The mosque has six minarets, which is a unique feature as most mosques have only two or four minarets. Legend has it that Sultan Ahmed I instructed the architect to construct the mosque with golden minarets. However, due to the homophonic nature of the Turkish words “altın” (meaning “gold”) and “altı” (meaning “six”), the architect misunderstood and built six minarets instead.

When the mosque was completed in 1616, it caused controversy and outrage among the religious authorities in Mecca, who believed that the Blue Mosque was trying to rival the Masjid al-Haram which is the holiest site in Islam and the largest mosque in the world.

To resolve the issue, Sultan Ahmed I sent a team of architects to Mecca to add a seventh minaret to the Masjid al-Haram. This was seen as a gesture of goodwill, and the controversy was resolved peacefully. Today, the Blue Mosque’s six minarets remain a prominent and cherished feature of Istanbul’s skyline.

Image Credit: SmartHistory

The mosque also has a central dome that is 23.5 meters (77.1 feet) in diameter and 43 meters (141 feet) high. The interior of the mosque is adorned with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles in blue and white, giving it its nickname, the Blue Mosque.

Cultural Significance

The Blue Mosque is not only a masterpiece of Islamic architecture but also a significant cultural and religious landmark. It is an active mosque and can accommodate up to 10,000 worshippers at a time. Visitors are welcome to enter the mosque, but they are required to follow the dress code and remove their shoes before entering. The mosque is a place of worship, and visitors are expected to show respect and avoid making noise.

Location

The Blue Mosque is located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, which is home to many historical landmarks, including the Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, and the Basilica Cistern. The mosque is easily accessible by public transportation, and there are many hotels, restaurants, and shops in the surrounding area.

Visiting Hours

The Blue Mosque is open to visitors every day, except during prayer times. The mosque is closed to visitors for 30 minutes before and after each of the five daily prayers. Visitors are advised to check the prayer times before visiting to avoid disappointment.

Practical Tips for Visiting

When visiting the Blue Mosque, visitors are required to follow the dress code and remove their shoes before entering. Women are also required to cover their heads, and there are scarves available for loan at the entrance. Visitors are not allowed to enter during prayer times, so it’s important to plan your visit accordingly. The mosque can get busy, especially during peak tourist season, so it’s best to arrive early to avoid long lines.

Conclusion

The Blue Mosque is a stunning example of Islamic architecture and an important cultural and religious landmark in Istanbul. It’s a must-see attraction for anyone visiting the city, and visitors will be amazed by the intricate design and breathtaking beauty of the mosque. With its convenient location, visiting hours, and practical tips, a visit to the Blue Mosque is sure to be a highlight of any trip to Istanbul.

Interested in a private tour of the Blue Mosque and her environs? Check out our Istanbul Private Tours article.

Tags: ArchitectureConstantinopleHistoric LandmarksHistoryIslamic HeritageIstanbul ToursIstanbul TripIstanbul VisitMosqueOttomansReligionSultanahmet
Share150Tweet94

Related Posts

Buyukada in January 2024 by The Other Tour Istanbul.
News

Is it safe to travel to Turkey in 2025?

With two wars happening in the region and steep inflation, let's answer whether it's actually safe to travel to Turkey in 2025?

Cats & Istanbul
Documentary

Cats & Istanbul

Istanbul never ceases to surprise us, and one of the most unexpected things is the abundance of cats. Yes, cats. They are everywhere!

Cats & Istanbul
Foundations & NGOs

Stray Animals in Istanbul: A City of Cats and Dogs

Istanbul, a vibrant city on two continents, is home to not just millions of people but also hundreds of thousands of stray cats...

Istanbul Alternative Tours
Istanbul Neighborhoods

Cihangir – Where Cats and Artists Roam

Cihangir blends imperial memory and bohemian spirit. Discover Istanbul’s hilltop village of cafés, cats, and soul-stirring views.

Istanbul Cat Tour
Istanbul Tours

Istanbul Cat Tour

Discover the city's rich history, visit cat-friendly neighborhoods, and interact with Istanbul’s famous street cats on the Istanbul Cat Tour!

Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim
Events

Bosphorus Cross Continental Swim

Istanbul hosts a 34-year event where athletes from around the world swim across two continents: Bosphorus Cross Continental Swimming Race.

Next Post
topkapi palace

Topkapi Palace

Comments 2

  1. Sara says:
    1 year ago

    The atmosphere inside the Blue Mosque is so peaceful and serene. It felt like a completely different world from the bustling city outside. Definitely take some time to just sit and soak it in.

    Reply
    • TheOtherTour says:
      1 year ago

      Thanks for your comment Sara. Blue Mosque can be soothing. We actually mentioned that in one of our posts years ago 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Most Commented Articles

  • Unspoken Facts about Turkey 2025

    Unspoken Facts about Turkey 2025

    15 shares
    Share 703 Tweet 440
  • Is it safe to travel to Turkey in 2025?

    16 shares
    Share 2043 Tweet 1277
  • The Other Tour Itinerary

    17 shares
    Share 519 Tweet 325
  • Ideas for a layover in Istanbul

    7 shares
    Share 138 Tweet 86
  • Istanbul Layover Tours – All You Need to Know in 2025

    67 shares
    Share 238 Tweet 149
  • Private Istanbul Tours

    25 shares
    Share 312 Tweet 195
  • The Mystery of Turkish Language

    46 shares
    Share 573 Tweet 358
  • It’s a church. It’s a mosque. It’s Hagia Sophia.

    447 shares
    Share 179 Tweet 112
  • Best Places to Run in Istanbul

    418 shares
    Share 167 Tweet 105
  • Every Siege of Constantinople in Chronological Order

    385 shares
    Share 154 Tweet 96

Tags

Aegean Sea Ancient City Ancient Civilizations Archaeology Architecture Arts & Culture Asian side Beach Best Tours in Turkey Bosphorus Byzantine Legacy cappadocia Church Constantinople Cruise Culture Day trips Environment European Side Events and Happenings Fun Hagia Sophia Historic Landmarks History Hotels Istanbul Istanbul Tours Istanbul travel Istanbul Trip Istanbul Visit Mediterranean Museums Nature Ottomans Recommendations Religion restaurants Reviews Sultanahmet The Other Tour Turkey Turkey Travel Turkish Cuisine Turkish Culture Water

About us

2025 Itinerary

https://youtu.be/hCPhlFh9N8Q

We offer a unique, immersive city tour experience in Istanbul that explores lesser-known areas, engaging participants in cultural activities like local home visits, market explorations, and Bosphorus cruises.

In addition to our signature tour ‘The Other Tour‘, our travel agency also provides a variety of custom guided tours, private itineraries, and specialized tours covering historical, cultural, and niche interests like Jewish heritage, vegan spots, and bird-watching. We also offer transportation services with professional guides for a more personalized and flexible experience.

Newsletter

The Other Tour is an immersive Istanbul experience, taking you beyond tourist spots to explore local culture with activities like home-cooked meals, school visits, and Bosphorus cruises. As a travel agency, we also offer personalized travel planning in Istanbul and Turkey, crafting custom itineraries and unique experiences tailored to each traveler.

Company

  • Explore
  • 2025 Itinerary
  • Services
  • F.A.Q.
  • Blog
  • Philosophy
  • About
  • Contact

Our Services

  • Private Tours
  • Private Tour Guides
  • Airport Transfers
  • Made-to-order
  • Hotel Selection
  • Culinary Tours
  • Shopping Tours
  • Unique Activities

Turkey

  • Destinations
  • Istanbul
  • Cappadocia
  • Ephesus
  • Pamukkale
  • Bodrum
  • Antalya
  • Mediterranean
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Jobs
  • Get in touch

© 2025 The Other Tour - Istanbul by Eren Nergiz Travel.

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • The Other Tour
    • 2025 Itinerary
    • F.A.Q.
    • About us
    • Reviews
    • Contact
  • Istanbul
    • Tours
    • Tour Guides
    • Attractions
    • Neighborhoods
    • Food
    • Stay
    • The Bosphorus
  • Turkey
    • Turkey Tours
    • Destinations
    • Cappadocia
    • Ephesus
    • Pamukkale
    • Antalya
    • Bodrum
  • Services
    • Private Tours
    • Daily City Tours
    • Made-to-order Travel Planning
    • Unique Activities
    • Hire a tour guide in Istanbul
    • Layover Tours
    • Culinary Tours
    • Hotel Selection
    • Family Time
    • Event Planning
    • Corporate Group Tours
  • Blog
    • TOP 5 ISTANBUL
    • Read
    • Events
    • News
    • Turkey
    • Documentary
    • Turkish Food
    • Turkish Music
    • Istanbul Videos
    • All Categories
    • All Posts

© 2025 The Other Tour - Istanbul by Eren Nergiz Travel.