The Blue MosquePlaces to Visit in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque, a landmark of Istanbul, stands as a masterpiece of both Turkish and Islamic architecture. Constructed between 1609 and 1616, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque forms the centerpiece of a complex that once included covered bazaars, Turkish baths, schools, hospitals, caravanserais, and even the sultan's mausoleum. Its architect, Mehmet Ağa, was a student of the legendary designer Sinan.

The interior of the mosque follows a centralized layout, upheld by four massive columns and expansive pointed arches. The walls and ceilings are embellished with more than 20,000 Iznik tiles, while the domes display intricate patterns highlighted with gold leaf. Though the mosque earned its name from the original blue-toned decorations, these colors have been restored to their former glory through careful renovations.

As is customary in most mosques, the floors of the Blue Mosque are covered with elegant carpets. Opposite the main entrance, you’ll find a marble pulpit and a special sultan’s lodge, designed to suit his elevated status and allow for visibility during prayer. The mosque features 260 windows that flood the vast interior with natural light, illuminating a majestic dome that spans 23.5 meters in diameter and rises to a height of 43 meters.

The mosque's minarets are a quintessential feature of Turkish architecture, each equipped with balconies accessible via spiral staircases. From these balconies, the call to prayer is issued five times a day—now amplified by modern loudspeakers. The Blue Mosque stands as a magnificent reflection of the cultural and historical richness of both Istanbul and Turkey.

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