Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Istanbul, Turkey
About This Activity
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, universally known as the Blue Mosque, was built between 1609 and 1616 and is the only imperial mosque in Istanbul with six minarets. Its interior is lined with more than 20,000 handmade Iznik ceramic tiles in tulip, carnation, and cypress patterns that give the mosque its famous blue glow. The cascading domes and semi-domes create an extraordinary sense of volume. Visit outside prayer times (closed to tourists five times daily and Friday mornings until 14:30), remove shoes, and dress modestly — headscarves for women, covered knees and shoulders for all.
Seasonal note: Best Apr-Jun and Sep-Nov; closed during prayer times
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