About

Also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque, the Blue Mosque is one of the most popular destinations in Istanbul and is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Built from 1609 to 1616, this magnificent mosque has over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles and amazing architecture which represents Byzantine and Ottoman culture. One of the most distinctive elements of the Blue mosque is its six minarets compared to the general number of 4 or 2 minarets.

The Blue Mosque is supported by four "elephant foot" pillars, the central dome which is 43m high, and four semi-domes that make a square in shape. The mosque can accommodate 10,000 people at a time and contains Sultan Ahmed's tomb, a madrasa, and also an infirmary. The prayer hall has many architectural features which were engraved by the Ottoman empires including a carved marble set in the center of the prayer hall which indicates the direction of the prayer.

Timings

Prayer Times Istanbul Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque Istanbul Opening Timings
The Best time to Visit
Prayer Times Istanbul Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque holds prayer six times a day as per the Islamic timetable and the mosque is closed to visitors during prayer times. The prayer timings are-

  • Two hours before dawn

  • Dawn

  • Midday

  • Afternoon

  • Sunset

  • Right before the last light of the day

Essential Information

Blue Mosque Location
Dress Code
How to Reach Blue Mosque Istanbul
Blue Mosque Location

The Blue Mosque is located on the top of the hill in the Sultanahmet neighborhood. Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Turkey.

Tips for Visiting the Blue Mosque

 Tips for Visiting the Blue Mosque
  • Go through the Blue Mosque Istanbul timings and the prayer times before you plan the visit as the mosque will be closed for 90 minutes during each prayer time.
  • The best time to visit the mosque is after the dawn prayers when the crowd is less and you can make use of the natural lights to take photos.
  • Please follow the Blue Mosque dress code which is instructed for both Men and Women. Women should make sure to cover their heads with fabric before entering the mosque. Even if you forget to bring a head covering, you can easily find it at the mosque for free of cost.
  • Tourists cannot enter the mosque in shorts or three-fourth clothes. This is applicable to both Men and Women.
  • As the Blue Mosque is a place of worship and a functioning mosque, please be respectful and quiet. Please do not take pictures of people who are praying or performing their ablutions.
  • You can take photos inside the mosque, but please remember to turn off your flash.
  • Visitors need to remove their shoes before entering the mosque and they are provided with a clear plastic bag to place the shoes. Visitors can either carry their bags or keep the plastic bags outside.

FAQs

Can you take pictures inside a mosque?

    Yes, visitors can take pictures inside the mosque, however, they are not allowed to take pictures of people praying. Aso, please make sure to turn off the flash before taking pictures inside.

    Also Know: Dolmabahce Palace Plan Your Visit

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