Istanbul Attractions

Venue: Blue Mosque    When: Daily

The Blue Mosque in Istanbul was built by Sultan Ahmet I to eclipse the grandeur of the Christian church of Haghia Sophia across the way, and grand it most certainly is. During the years of its construction from 1606-1613, the Iznik tile producers were kept extremely busy creating 999 shades for 20,000 blue tiles with which to decorate its interior and nearly 300 stained glass windows were made to allow natural light to percolate through to the rug-filled floor below.

Sultan Ahmet died aged 27, just a year after the mosque was completed. His youth did not make him humble for he ordered that six minarets should adorn the Blue Mosque domes. This caused quite a stir in Mecca for until this date only Mecca's Kaba Mosque was considered holy enough to have six minarets. Despite the outraged response he generated, Sultan Ahmet refused to reduce the number and was finally prevailed upon to send craftsmen to build another minaret onto the Kaba Mosque instead. To this day, the Kaba boasts a unique seven minarets.

Highlights of any visit to the Blue Mosque include the mesmerising view of the thousands of tiles and appreciating the fine carving and inlay work of the doors and windows. Have a good look too at the carved stone of the mihrab and mimber. Tourist access to the centre of the mosque is restricted: this is still a very religious and holy place which fills several times a day with the praying faithful, especially on a Friday. Remember to wear long sleeves and a long skirt or trousers, or you'll be given a particularly tasteful sarong to wear by the kindly Imam!

There are so many mosques which demand a visit in Istanbul and it would be a great shame to call it a day after just seeing this one. A smaller scale version of the Blue Mosque, more intimate and perhaps even more beautiful, is the Rustem Pasha Mosque, and if you want to see the most famous architectural gem of all, then spare the time to visit the Suleymaniye Mosque too.