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Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, the mosque is popularly known as the ” Blue Mosque ” has also become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul.

The Blue Mosque (Turkish: Sultanahmet Camii) is a historical mosque which was built between 1609 and 1616 by the Ottoman sultan Ahmed I.

The Mosque was built as a complex including an imperial lodge, a theological school, a kitchen for the poor, bazaar shops, outer courtyard, a small library and the tomb of the founder.

This is the only one mosque in Istanbul having 6 minarets, generally mosques have 1,2 or 4 minarets.

Blue Mosque is covered with rugs as a general tradition in any mosque, thus people have to take their shoes off before entering.

Open daily except prayer times for free.

Location/Address:

Sultan Ahmet Camii (Blue Mosque)
At Meydani (Hippodrome) 21, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey.
Phone: +90 212 4587107

Fast Facts

Site Information
Names:	Blue Mosque; Sultanahmet Mosque; Sultanahmet Camii
Location:	Sultanahmet Square, Istanbul, Turkey
Faith:	Islam
Type:	Mosques
Architecture:	Ottoman, Islamic
Date:	1609-1616
Patron(s):	Sultan Ahmet I
Architect:	Sedefkar Mehmet Aga
Size:	Interior: 53m x 51mDome diameter: 23.5mDome height (outer): 43m
Minaret(s):	6
Features:	Medieval Tiles
Status:	Active
Visitor Information
Address:	Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Turkey
Coordinates:	41.005277° N, 28.976827° E (view on Google Maps)
Phone:	(0212) 518 1319
Public transport:	Tram: Sultanahmet
Opening hours:	Daily 9am-6pm except during prayer times (about 30 min. five times a day) and midday on Fridays
Cost:	Free
Rules:	Tourists must enter through the north gate and have to take their shoes off before entering the mosque. Modest dress is required for both men and women; women must cover their heads. Wraps are provided when deemed necessary by mosque officials.