Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii)The Sultan Ahmet Camii, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, with
its tiers of magnificent domes and six graceful minarets is one of
the most striking and immediately distinguishable structures on the
Istanbul's skyline. Constructed as an Islamic rival to the Hagia
Sophia in 1609, it is one of the finest examples of Ottoman
architecture and is still used by hundreds of worshippers. The
interior is splendidly decorated with thousands of blue and white
Iznik tiles embellished with traditional Ottoman flower patterns,
and it is this special feature that gives the mosque its name. Its
design of successively descending smaller domes, soaring columns
and 260 stained glass windows leaves a lasting impression of
graceful accord and open space. At the back of the mosque is a
Carpet and Kilim Museum exhibiting antiques from all over
Turkey.
Address: Hippodrome, Sultanahmet
Telephone: (212) 518 1319
Transportation: Sultanahmet tram stop
Opening Time: Open daily, access restricted during prayer times,
especially at midday on Fridays. The museum is open from Tuesday to
Saturday between 9am and 4pm
Admission: There is no charge for visiting the mosque, but the
museum has a small entrance fee |
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