Sultan Ahmed Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is the most photogenic building and the most popular attraction in Istanbul. The Blue İznik tiles, which adorn the interiors, are the reasons for naming this mosque ‘The Blue Mosque’. The grand mosque was built in early 17th century with the exterior featuring five large domes, six slender minarets and eight smaller domes. The iconic mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I and served as an imperial mosque in earlier days. The Blue Mosque is a fine example of Ottoman architecture with Byzantine Christian elements blending with traditional Islamic architecture. The courtyard surrounding the mosque is as large as the mosque. The interior of the mosque is worth visiting for its spacious prayer halls and lavish decor. The domes adorned with İznik tiles are the highlight of the interior. Walk around the Blue Mosque and admire the splendour and symmetry of this grand structure. The golden glow radiating from the mosque at dusk will leave you speechless! Avoid visiting it on Friday as is it a functional mosque and is stormed by worshippers from across Istanbul.