The Blue Mosque Turkey
Turkey is a land of diversity, a land of rich history, exquisite architecture and stunning natural beauty, but one of its most iconic landmarks remains the Blue Mosque, also known as The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, located in Istanbul.
Construction of the mosque began in 1609 and was completed in 1616, during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, hence its name. It was designed by the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, who was only 27 years old at the time. The mosque's beauty lies in its intricate design and the 20,000 blue tiles that decorate its interior, which is why it's known as the Blue Mosque.
The mosque has six minarets, and the central dome is 23.5 meters in diameter and is 43 meters high. The interior is equipped with a central large chandelier, which was a gift from Queen Victoria of England. The mosque can hold up to 10,000 worshippers and visitors, and it's still an active place of worship today.
The mosque's exterior is equally impressive, with its cascading domes and semi-domes, and the intricate design of the pencil-thin minarets reaching for the sky. The mosque is surrounded by six minarets, and it's considered one of the most photogenic landmarks in the world.
Visitors can visit the mosque, but be aware that it's a sacred place of worship. Visitors must remove their shoes and dress modestly, and women are required to cover their heads with a scarf. You can enter from the south entrance, and you'll see the vast courtyard occupying the center with the mosque structure around it. The mosque is open from 9 am to 6 pm daily, except during prayer times, and it's closed during Friday noon prayer.
The Blue Mosque is not only a religious center, but it's also a symbol of pride for Istanbul and Turkey. It's one of the most iconic landmarks that bring tourists from all over the world. Beyond its visual aspect, the Blue Mosque is an essential part of Turkish history, and it holds several interesting legends.
One of the legends is that Sultan Ahmed I was not satisfied with the mosque's minaret design, and he asked the architect to build a seventh minaret to make it the most magnificent in the world. The architect misunderstood the sultan's request and built six minarets, and on realizing the mistake, he presented the seventh minaret as a gift to Mecca's Grand Mosque.
Another legend is the mosque's curse. It's said that Sultan Ahmed I visited the mosque to pray and found that one of the windows did not face east, so he ordered it to be moved. The architect was unhappy with the sultan's demands and cursed him, and the sultan died six years later at the age of 27, just one year after the mosque's completion.
Like all historical landmarks, the Blue Mosque is more than just a building or a tourist venue. It's a living testament to the power of human ingenuity and the ability of architecture to capture the spirit of a community and a nation. If you're ever in Istanbul, make sure you take the time to visit this magnificent mosque and experience its serene calmness firsthand.
Travel Tips
If you plan to visit the Blue Mosque, here are some tips to make your visit enjoyable:
- Visiting hours are from 9 am to 6 pm daily, except during prayer times.
- During prayer times, visitors are not allowed to enter the mosque, and the mosque closes during Friday noon prayer.
- Women must cover their heads, and all visitors must dress modestly and remove their shoes before entering the mosque.
- Foreign visitors can join the guided tours available at the mosque.
- Photography is permitted but be respectful of the worshippers and avoid using flash photography or making loud noises.
- You can combine your visit to the Blue Mosque with other nearby attractions, such as the Hagia Sophia, the Topkapi Palace, and the Grand Bazaar, which are all within walking distance.
- The Blue Mosque is an active place of worship, so be respectful of the worshippers and avoid making unnecessary noise.
- During holidays and peak tourist seasons, expect long queues and delays. It's best to visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for a more peaceful experience.
By following these tips, you can enjoy a pleasant and respectful visit to one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. The Blue Mosque is a cultural treasure that has survived the test of time and remains a symbol of Istanbul's beauty and grandeur.
In conclusion, the Blue Mosque is much more than an iconic landmark or a tourist venue. It's a living testament to Turkey's rich history, its people's spirituality, and the power of art and architecture to capture the essence of a community and a nation. Whether you're a Muslim, a history buff, or a curious traveler, the Blue Mosque is a must-visit destination in Istanbul that will leave you speechless and enchanted.
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