Istanbul is the city of dreams, a metropolis steeped in history and admired by empires throughout the ages. With mosques, churches, palaces, and countless landmarks to explore, Istanbul is a treasure trove of culture and history. For many, the Historic Peninsula and Sultanahmet Square come to mind when thinking of Istanbul. This area boasts some of the city’s most significant historical sites, including Hagia Sophia, the Basilica Cistern, Topkapı Palace, and, of course, the Sultanahmet Mosque. Also known as the Blue Mosque, it remains one of the most visited landmarks in the city.
The Story of Sultanahmet Blue Mosque
Legend has it that Sultan Ahmed I summoned architect Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa and instructed him to construct a mosque with a golden minaret. Knowing that such a design would exceed the state’s budget, the architect devised a clever solution. He pretended to misunderstand the Sultan’s order, interpreting “golden” (altın) as “six” (altı). As a result, the mosque was constructed with six minarets instead of a golden one.
Upon completion, the mosque’s six minarets caused controversy, as the only other structure with six minarets at the time was the Kaaba in Mecca. To resolve this, Sultan Ahmed ordered the addition of a seventh minaret to the Kaaba, maintaining its unique distinction while allowing the Sultanahmet Mosque to retain its six minarets. This ingenious solution ensured harmony and solidified the mosque’s legacy.
Location of Sultanahmet Blue Mosque
The Sultanahmet Mosque is located in the Sultanahmet neighborhood of Istanbul’s Fatih district. It is situated in Sultanahmet Square, surrounded by other iconic landmarks such as Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace.
How to Get to Sultanahmet Blue Mosque
Reaching Sultanahmet Blue Mosque is straightforward, with various transportation options available:
- From Eminönü: You can walk or take the Bağcılar-Kabataş tram line to Sultanahmet Station.
- From Sirkeci: After arriving at Sirkeci Marmaray Station, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the mosque.
- From Taksim: Take the funicular to Kabataş and transfer to the Bağcılar-Kabataş tram line to reach Sultanahmet Station.
- By car: Follow the Topkapı direction and follow the signs to Sultanahmet.
Upon arriving at Sultanahmet Square, you’ll find the mosque on one side and Hagia Sophia on the other, making it convenient to visit both landmarks.
Visiting Hours of Sultanahmet Mosque
The mosque is open to visitors every day, but as it is an active place of worship, some restrictions apply during prayer times.
- Summer (April 1–September 30): 8:30 AM–7:00 PM
- Winter (October 1–March 31): 8:30 AM–5:00 PM
- Fridays: Open for visits after 2:30 PM.
Visitors are not allowed inside 30 minutes before or after prayers. Entrance is free of charge.
History of Sultanahmet Mosque
Built between 1609 and 1617 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, the mosque is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture. At the time, the Ottoman Empire faced economic challenges, making the construction an expensive endeavor. Despite these difficulties, Sultan Ahmed himself participated in the construction process, symbolizing his dedication.
Why Is It Called the Blue Mosque?
The mosque is famously known as the “Blue Mosque” because of its interior, which features over 20,000 handmade İznik tiles in shades of blue, green, and white. These tiles, along with the blue calligraphy on the domes, give the mosque its nickname.
Architectural Features of Sultanahmet Mosque
Exterior Architecture of Sultanahmet Blue Mosque
The mosque’s exterior design includes a large forecourt resembling that of the Süleymaniye Mosque. The courtyard, nearly as large as the mosque itself, includes fountains and ablution facilities. Its spacious layout creates a sense of grandeur.
Interior Architecture of Sultanahmet Blue Mosque
The interior is adorned with approximately 20,000 İznik tiles featuring 50 unique tulip designs. The decorative calligraphy, created by Seyid Kasım Gubari, adds to the mosque’s charm. The marble mihrab is intricately carved, showcasing exceptional craftsmanship.
The mosque once housed lamps decorated with ostrich eggs, crystal balls, and precious stones, though many of these decorations were removed or lost over time.
How Many Minarets Does the Sultanahmet Blue Mosque Have?
The Sultanahmet Mosque is one of five mosques in Turkey with six minarets, alongside others like the Çamlıca Mosque and Sabancı Mosque. Four of the minarets, each with three balconies, are located at the mosque’s corners. The remaining two, with two balconies each, stand at the courtyard entrance.
The Legacy of Sultanahmet Blue Mosque
For many years, the Sultanahmet Mosque served as the primary site for Friday prayers for the residents of Topkapı Palace. Its stunning architecture, historical significance, and central location make it an essential stop for anyone visiting Istanbul. Whether you admire its artistic beauty, enjoy its serene ambiance, or simply explore its fascinating history, Sultanahmet Mosque is a landmark that truly embodies the spirit of Istanbul.
