Istanbul today is becoming more and more cosmopolitan, however, it does not lose its unique color that reigns, for example, on the Grand Bazaar or on the main city Sultanahmet Square, where the Blue Mosque is located
This mosque is a symbol of the city, it captivates with its grandeur and grace, the majestic and magnificently decorated mosque is nowhere else in the world.
A bit of history
This is truly a unique building that has a huge architectural value. It was built on the orders of the Turkish sultan Ahmed I, who for a long time did not manage to win a single war, and Turkey began to surrender its positions. In order to win God's mercy, the Sultan began building his entire life.
Work began in 1609, and was completed only seven years later. In the construction of precious stone and a unique marble
And the mahrib (niche for prayers) in general was carved from an integral marble block, it also contains a unique black stone, brought specially from Mecca.
During the construction of the Blue Mosque the best techniques of Byzantine and classical Ottoman architectural styles were used, due attention was paid to both engineering structures and decorative elements, it is not for nothing that the chief architect, who directed all the works, was nicknamed the "jeweler."
Interiors of the mosque
Interiors
The building was decorated with special ceramic tiles painted with blue and white colors, thanks to them the mosque really looks blue. They were produced at an old insic manufacturing company, which had to produce its unique and high-quality products only for this construction, all trading contracts with other customers were terminated, and as a result, it was ruined. These tiles depict various floral ornaments, only tulips are present in fifty variations.
The wall to which they turn during prayer is decorated with two hundred sixty stained-glass windows. Unfortunately, time and various cataclysms were merciless to the most beautiful stained-glass windows, works of the best Venetian masters, and today they are replaced. A floor is covered with unique carpets, of course, handmade.
Minarets
Another feature of the Blue Mosque is that it does not have four minarets, but six. There is a version that this architect has confused something and increased their number. Initially, the architectural ensemble of the mosque also included a spiritual school, an elementary school, a tyrbah, a charity, a hospital and a caravan shed, but the last two buildings were destroyed.
How to get
Today tourists can enter the mosque freely, although not all its halls, you need to remove your shoes and put on closed clothes (you can buy a special cape at the entrance). The mosque is open daily from 9:00 until sunset, but there are interruptions to prayer.
In Blue mosque
Inner courtyard, Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque in Istanbul
Blue Sword the spring in Istanbul
The Blue Mosque
Under the arches, Blue Mosque
Turkish designs, Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque patterns
Reviews of the Blue Mosque (7 )
Evaluation 10
Beauty greatness of June 5, 2014
Olga was (a) here in May 2014
Although I was in Istanbul many times, but as a history buff, I always visit famous sights. And for this I choose a hotel for accommodation in the historical center of Istanbul. And the Blue Mosque can be seen from afar and there are always a lot of people there. Foreign tourists go there in single file after their guides, Muslims go five times to pray. And a person even distant from religion, the Blue Mosque can not leave indifferent. In addition to being a very large and ancient building, it really is ... Read the full review
Evaluation 10
Must be seen April 17, 2014
Natalia
was here in April 2014
I literally returned from Istanbul a week ago. Although I was there many times, but every time I come to the Sultanahmet area to admire the historical sights. I want to write about my favorite mosque - Blue. In addition to her beauty and color, she is notable for the fact that she has six minarets. On this occasion, there is an interesting legend about its creation. This mosque and museum and the operating mosque at the same time. The entrance to it is free. But for the entrance to Ayia Sophia, for example, you need 20 lire to pay .... Read the full comment
Evaluation 5
An attempt to restore the former greatness of the Ottoman Empire 05 March 2014
Marina
was here in January 2014
I love this city and have been in Istanbul more than once and invariably spend a couple of hours in Aye-Sophia and I go to the Blue Mosque. But there is one thing: it would be a visit to the latter paid - the second time would not go. Forgive my snobbery, but I personally think that the rave reviews are slightly exaggerated, although, of course, the structure deserves a visit and inspection. I adore the traditional Ottoman patterns (leaves, tulips in blue and green with interspersed with red) and is ready to look at them for a long time, and in the mosque of Ahmediye ... Read the whole review
Evaluation 7
Its luxury is simply impressive ... February 10, 2014
Olga
@ was here in July 2013
I'm basically not a believer, but I've always wondered why people are building such a huge building for praying and worshiping the gods? It was the same at all times. Ancient Egyptian temples, temples of ancient Rome and Greece, mosques, huge cathedrals ... Personally, I'm all this mass of stone and through the lavish decoration simply suppresses and makes me feel small, gray and faceless. Maybe this is the main goal of all the temples? The size and splendor of the mosque is really impressive, you can see ... Read the whole review
Evaluation 10
The beauty of Islamic culture December 17 2013
Natalia
was here in June 2013
@ We were in Istanbul in June this year and visited many attractions. And of course they could not help visiting the Sultanahmet mosque or the Blue Mosque. It is located in the historical center of the city opposite the Cathedral of Hagia Sophia. This is a museum and an active mosque at the same time. Unlike St. Sophia, the entrance is free. Log tourists can be from two side entrances, the main entrance is for Muslims who come there to pray. During the prayer, tourists can not enter the mosque, and places there ... Read the whole review
Evaluation 10
Another religion, another culture November 22, 2013
Eugenia
was here in December 2012
Blue Mosque, Blue Mosque , the Sultan Ahmet mosque, or simply the patter Sultanahmet - as soon as one does not call this rare in its beauty and architecture a tourist attraction! Describe its charm I will not, you need to see it yourself. But here I can give you a couple of practical tips, that you would be ready for anything. The mosque is functioning, so the entrance is free - this time, and besides many tourists there are as many Muslims who came to the mosque - these are two. Therefore, be prepared, the people are very ... Read the whole review
Evaluation 10
Stunning beauty architecture November 12 2013
Natalia
was here in August 2013
@ After visiting Istanbul and visiting the famous Topkapi Palace, I still had a few days left, which I did not intend to devote to rest. From our hotel was a beautiful view of the Blue Mosque, which we decided to visit together with my sister. In addition, it is one of the most visited places in Istanbul. The mosque is functioning, and at the same time tourists are allowed into it, at the same time the entrance is absolutely free, that's all, we need to observe the traditions, the same as in our churches, but here it is significant ... Read the whole review