Welcome to the Sultanahmet Mosque, a masterpiece challenging the skies with its six minarets on Istanbul's historical peninsula. Known to Westerners as the "Blue Mosque", this structure is the last great work of the Ottoman Empire's classical era, representing the pinnacle of aesthetics and engineering.

The construction of the mosque, commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, began in 1609 and was completed in 1616.

 

The Three Glories of the Architecture

 

Signed by Architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, this monument is recognized globally for three core features:

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1. The Dance of Blue (Iznik Tiles): The element that gave the mosque its popular name is the over 21,000 handmade Iznik tiles adorning the lower walls and galleries of the interior. The intense blue tones—worked with tulip, carnation, and rose motifs on white, green, and red backgrounds—merge with the light streaming through the windows to create a unique, spiritual atmosphere.

2. The Grand Dome and Balance: The mosque is dominated by its main dome, standing 43 meters highwith a 23.5-meter diameter. The dome rests on four massive "elephant feet" (piers) and is supported by cascading semi-domes. This system, illuminated by over 260 windows, ensures the space is bright and expansive.

3. The Legend of Six Minarets: The Sultanahmet Mosque is notable for being the only Ottoman imperial mosque with six minarets. These minarets add a sense of flawless balance and grandeur to the building's exterior profile.

 

Built on the Heart of History

 

The mosque's location is as important as its architecture. It was constructed on the remnants of the Imperial Box (Kathisma) of the old Hippodrome (At Meydanı), the political and social center of the Byzantine Empire. This great arena was largely ruined and decommissioned following the 1204 Crusader sack. This choice of location makes the mosque not just a religious center, but a symbol of Istanbul's thousand-year history. The ancient obelisks you see in the square today are enduring salutes to the Hippodrome's vibrant past.

 

Visitor Information

 

Please remember that the mosque is an active place of worship. We kindly ask that you respect the spiritual atmosphere inside, keep silent, and adhere to the appropriate dress code (head coverings, clothing that covers shoulders and knees).

Explore this unique place to walk on the ancient ground of Byzantium while witnessing the blue dream of the Ottomans!