The architect of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul was Sedefkâr Mehmet Aÿa. His intent was to rival the visual experience of Istanbul's most famous church. And it is in fact an architectural masterpiece. It is built so that visitors to the city can see both the mosque and the Hagia Sophia, and can compare the two.
Historic Istanbul Landmark
The mosque is one of the most noticeable landmarks in Istanbul, particularly as you stand on the Asian side of the city, along the shore of the Sea of Marmara. If size and location alone don't distinguish it for visitors, its unusual array of six minarets makes the mosque unmistakable.
Sultan Ahmet I ordered the construction of the Blue Mosque in 1609. It was completed in 1616. While the mosque is widely known as "the Blue Mosque," it is officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. The mosque is a mixture of Byzantine and traditional Islamic architecture. It is generally considered the last great mosque of the Classical Period in Ottoman architecture.
The Blue Mosque with its six minarets is a spectacular feature of the Istanbul skyline.
Size of the Mosque
The mosque is huge, with a capacity of about 10,000 people; among the first experiences for a visitor to the mosque is coming to is the courtyard. Ablution fountains around the courtyard allow Muslims to prepare to enter the mosque by wash their face, arms, neck and feet as well as mouth and nose. The courtyard is tiered and marble steps take visitors from one level to the next.
Being inside the mosque makes one feel small. The chandeliers and blue Iznik tiles (from which the mosque takes its name) create a unique sense of lighting inside. The dimensions of the mosque are (like nearby Hagia Sophia) staggering. The dome rises to about 140 high and is 77 feet in diameter. Four pillars hold up the roof; they measure about 16 feet in diameter. There are some 260 windows.
Times to Visit
While the mosque is a necessary visit on any first trip to Istanbul, keep in mind that the historic building is still in use as a mosque. Dress appropriately. Be prepared for the fact that five times a day the mosque closes to visitors for about 90 minutes while prayer takes place.
Non-Muslims are required to enter the mosque through the north entrance. Be sure and visit the main (west) entrance of the mosque, since it is perhaps the most beautiful area of the mosque.
Mid-morning is the best time to visit; prayer takes place at dawn and at noon, which creates a window of about three hours (8:30 to 11:30am) to visit. Exact prayer times vary with the seasons.
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