The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, it stands opposite the Hagia Sophia and dominates the city's skyline with its six slender minarets. The mosque gets its popular name from the thousands of hand-painted blue Iznik tiles that adorn its interior walls, creating a serene and ethereal atmosphere. Visitors enter through a large courtyard and are immediately struck by the cascading domes and semi-domes that lead to the central prayer hall. Inside, the vast space is filled with natural light from 260 windows, once filled with stained glass. The mihrab (prayer niche) is carved from marble, and the minbar (pulpit) is intricately decorated. The mosque is still an active place of worship, so visitors must dress modestly and remove shoes before entering. The experience is both spiritual and architectural, offering a glimpse into Ottoman grandeur and Islamic art. The adjacent Sultan Ahmed Park provides a perfect spot to admire the mosque's exterior and take photos, especially at sunset when the structure is beautifully illuminated.

Don't miss

• Admire the 20,000 hand-painted blue Iznik tiles in the interior
• See the six minarets, a unique feature among Turkish mosques
• Visit the Sultan Ahmed Park for panoramic views of the mosque and Hagia Sophia
• Observe the intricate calligraphy and stained-glass windows
• Experience the peaceful atmosphere during non-prayer times

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit The Blue Mosque

Cheapest way inIstanbul: Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque Guided & Small-Group Tour4.3★ · 52 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$19 per personSee dates →Best full dayIstanbul Highlights! Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapı and More4.9★ · 660 travelers8-9 hoursFree cancellationFrom$175 per personSee dates →Private & flexiblePrivate Half Day Shore Excursion: Hagia Sophia, Hippodrome, Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar From Istanbul5★ · 15 travelers~4 hoursFree cancellationFrom$144 per personSee dates →

Know before you go

• Closed to tourists during the five daily prayer times (about 30 minutes each). Check local prayer times.
• Dress modestly: women must cover hair, arms, and legs; men should cover shoulders and knees. Scarves and skirts are available at the entrance.
• Shoes must be removed before entering; carry them in a bag or use provided plastic bags.
• Photography is allowed without flash; avoid taking photos of worshippers.

A bit of history

Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I to assert Ottoman power, the mosque was built on the site of the Byzantine Hippodrome. It sparked controversy for having six minarets, equaling the Grand Mosque of Mecca, which was resolved by adding a seventh minaret to Mecca.