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Absolutely stunning! I'll let the photos do most of the talking here, but if you're headed to Istanbul, you simply have to see it. It's in the same square as Hagia Sofia and other major sites, so you really can't miss it. The line will look super long, but it goes really fast! Go early if you don't want as many crowds. Inside, the architecture and detail is amazing. They have a section for tourists, and a section for regular prayer. Out in the courtyard area, they have a ton of plaques with info on the mosque and Islam which were very informative and interesting to read. Remember to be covered and bring a headscarf!
Such a big mosque in Istanbul. This is a must see mosque in Istanbul. It has six minarets towers. The name is from the blue tile inside the building. The admission is free. Dress code is enforce and shoe should be removed. The light system in the mosque is beautiful with suspended from ceiling. The mosque is open for believers to pray. It is a people mosque. Night view with the light up is beautiful. Visit takes only 30 minutes. But the line takes 10 minutes.
Yelp Review 2025 #213: Sultanahmet/ Blue Mosque aptly named due to its blue tiled interior and upper exterior which was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616. What makes this mosque unique is the 6 minarets. This is an active mosque so, dressing modestly is required (shoulders, knees and head covered for women. No leggings or tight articles of clothing) and you cannot visit during prayer times unless you're Muslim. You have to take your shoes off before entering the mosque and leave them in a little cubby. So yeah, expect to smell feet. It is free to enter. Practitioners are allowed to come in as early as 5am for the morning prayer. Visitors have limited visiting hours. Before entering the mosque itself, there are helpful signs for you to read so you can learn the basics on Islam. The whole grounds is beautiful and clean. Inside the mosque, natural lighting illuminates the place so you can enjoy the glass windows, the tiles, and the dome.
One of the more impressive Mosques we have visited. For starters, you guessed it, it's blue in color. The massive columns inside and the height of the ceiling stands out most of all. Remember to respect the culture by removing your shoes before entering. No men shorts and women need to cover their shoulders and head otherwise, entry will be denied. This is a must see and it's iconic and free to enter so make sure to visit it.
Blue Mosque was on the top of my list of tourist attractions in Istanbul, I was very excited to check it out. It surely didn't disappoint with its majestic, impressive architecture that overwhelms your tourist senses. It is my favorite mosque we have visited in Istanbul. Tip- you will have to take your shoes off, some wear something easy to put on and off. For ladies- bring a scarf, you will need one (pack it in your purse for the whole time you visit Turkey, in case you'll want to pop in a mosque along the way). We were here in the spring, so we were wearing jeans, but shorts and short skirts/dresses won't work in the summer. You need long pants/skirt to visit. It is a working mosque, so they close it for prayer a few times a day, so check the schedule ahead of time. Open daily! Free to visit! Located in Sultanahmet Square in the historic district. Easy to spot! You'll recognize it immediately! I jumped in and was determined to visit before next praying session. It was built by 1617 during the time of Sultan Ahmed. It is crowded, a line, but it moves fast. It's awe inducing, so big, huge ceiling, beautiful painted and decorated with Iznik tiles, so fresh and vivid like it was renovated yesterday. It is a classic example of Ottoman architecture and it is one of the most iconic image of Istanbul.
If you ask a local where the Blue Mosque is they will look at you funny....because well they have a lot of them. They call this one The Blue Mosque because it has the most blue in it. Blue was a hard color to come by as it came from crushed up Lapis Lazuli gemstones. It is breathtaking. Shoes must be removed inside and knees, shoulders and hair should be covered for all women. Cats are welcome inside and you will see them bask in the beauty of the architecture. Cats are well revered in Turkey. If you're ever in a place and do t see any, you should probably leave the area immediately.
This architectural show-off is officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque but that's boring so everyone calls it the Blue Mosque for a reason: it's basically dipped, stuffed, soaked, and marinated in blue tiles. And not just one shade of blue. No, no, this place flexes with five distinct hues, like it's the Taylor Swift of mosques and every blue got a solo. Cerulean, turquoise, cobalt, your ex's eyes, it's all here. This spot was built between 1609 and 1616 under Sultan Ahmed I who apparently said let's go broke in style. The mosque was meant to show the world that the Ottoman Empire could still throw down some serious architecture. And throw down they did with six minarets, which caused drama because the Kaaba in Mecca only had six at the time so cue up the awkward eye rolls. To resolve this, Ahmed just paid for a seventh minaret in Mecca like the ultimate keep the change power move. Inside? Oh, just 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles that glimmer in natural light like they're on the shopping network. And one of those tiles, just one, is apparently worth $250,000. It's beautiful. I don't think I'll ever see red or green again without whispering traitor. I walked in a full-spectrum human, and I left Team Blue for life. Remember that you are going to be looking up until your neck protests.
One of the three must-see Istanbul mosques, this one might be the most beautiful. Try to see it both by day and at night. The visit will be somewhat marred by the barrage of huckster tour guides, large annoying tour groups with loud bad guides, and the crowds but going in the off season and when it's raining or very cold makes it much better. Bring cat food, lots of nice Muslim cats to meet and make friends with. Ignore the scammers pretending to be security, there's always an entrance (south entrance) where you can respectfully enter to see inside and it is breathtaking. After, walk around to the West entrance where proper Muslims enter, that entrance is the most richly decorated. The grounds make for a very pleasant walk. This early 17th Century mosque has six minarets, might be the most brilliant masterpiece of the Ottoman era. Sultan Ahmed I ordered construction in what was then the center of Istanbul. He is buried in a mausoleum just outside the mosque walls. The architect, Sedefkar Mehmed Aga achieved what is widely believed to be the perfect proportions.
Stunning! Must visit while in Istanbul. The sheet size of the place is incredible, and the colors and details inside are a feast for the eyes. The mosque has shoe storage spaces and will lend you a headscarf if you don't have your own head covering. It was quite busy--be prepared for crowds!--but everything was organized nicely and the line moved fast.
Gayle and I visited the Blue Mosque during our recent visit to Istanbul. The Blue Mosque is in an Historic Area of Istanbul, with the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Topkapı Palace, and the Basilica Cistern all in easy walking distance of each other. Also in the neighborhood are places for women to buy a head scarf (required for entry into the Blue Mosque) and roasted corn on the cob (a healthy snack for those on the go). The Blue Mosque is also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a spectacular tribute to that Ottoman-era ruler who had it built. It's a functioning Mosque and we were there in-between any of the prayer times. Gayle and I should have taken pictures inside (allowed), but sometimes you just can't capture the grandeur of a place properly. It's a bit easier on the outside that way. The mosque has a classical Ottoman layout with a central dome surrounded by four semi-domes over the prayer hall. It is fronted by a large courtyard and flanked by six minarets. On the inside, it is decorated with thousands of Iznik tiles and painted floral motifs in predominantly blue colors, which give the mosque its popular name. There are also separate tourist and prayer entrances.
If you go to this mosque that's become a tourist destination, please be respectful and sensitive to those there to prayer. Use hushed voices and abide by the dress code. They have wraps for all at the entrance before you go inside. Remove your shoes. In the courtyard are signs to learn more about Islam. It's free to enter
The Blue Mosque was one of our first stops on our tour that day. My best advice is to wear pants that are loose and long, so everything down to your ankles is covered and you're wearing mid length sleeves on your tee shirt, not having bare shoulders. Even though my sister in law and I were wearing full length leggings they handed us both the communal skirts they give out as cover to those (men and women alike) that need it. We had both planned ahead and brought headscarves with us but there are plenty of stores directly around the mosque where women can buy a pashmina or something similar to wear, just make sure you pick one up unless you would like the communal one the hand out at the gate. Right before you enter you remove your shoes and they can be left in the bookcase on the side of the room while you visit. The mosque is gorgeous and the tile work is breathtaking. The decorated ostrich eggs that hang from the chandeliers were once upon a time used to ward off insects in the decades previous to air conditioning. It's a gorgeous space and absolutely worth a visit if you're in Istanbul. read more
An absolutely stunning mosque in the heart of Istanbul. Decorated inside with over 20,000 blue-toned iznik tiles, it's truly a masterpiece. Likely one of the most visited sites due to its location in Sultanahmet Square. It is an example of Ottoman commitment to Islam and a reflection of their immense wealth. Like most mosques in the city, it's completely free to enter. Women must wear a head scarf and be modestly dressed. Scarves are provided if you don't have one. The mosque is very crowded during peak hours. I've had better luck in the evening for a more peaceful experience. Worth a visit and worth the hype! read more
8 months ago
Absolutely stunning! I'll let the photos do most of the talking here, but if you're headed to Istanbul, you simply have to see it. It's in the same square as Hagia Sofia and other major sites, so you really can't miss it. The line will look super long, but it goes really fast! Go early if you don't want as many crowds. Inside, the architecture and detail is amazing. They have a section for tourists, and a section for regular prayer. Out in the courtyard area, they have a ton of plaques with info on the mosque and Islam which were very informative and interesting to read. Remember to be covered and bring a headscarf! read more
Such a big mosque in Istanbul. This is a must see mosque in Istanbul. It has six minarets towers. The name is from the blue tile inside the building. The admission is free. Dress code is enforce and shoe should be removed. The light system in the mosque is beautiful with suspended from ceiling. The mosque is open for believers to pray. It is a people mosque. Night view with the light up is beautiful. Visit takes only 30 minutes. But the line takes 10 minutes. read more
Yelp Review 2025 #213: Sultanahmet/ Blue Mosque aptly named due to its blue tiled interior and upper exterior which was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616. What makes this mosque unique is the 6 minarets. This is an active mosque so, dressing modestly is required (shoulders, knees and head covered for women. No leggings or tight articles of clothing) and you cannot visit during prayer times unless you're Muslim. You have to take your shoes off before entering the mosque and leave them in a little cubby. So yeah, expect to smell feet. It is free to enter. Practitioners are allowed to come in as early as 5am for the morning prayer. Visitors have limited visiting hours. Before entering the mosque itself, there are helpful signs for you to read so you can learn the basics on Islam. The whole grounds is beautiful and clean. Inside the mosque, natural lighting illuminates the place so you can enjoy the glass windows, the tiles, and the dome. read more
One of the more impressive Mosques we have visited. For starters, you guessed it, it's blue in color. The massive columns inside and the height of the ceiling stands out most of all. Remember to respect the culture by removing your shoes before entering. No men shorts and women need to cover their shoulders and head otherwise, entry will be denied. This is a must see and it's iconic and free to enter so make sure to visit it. read more
Blue Mosque was on the top of my list of tourist attractions in Istanbul, I was very excited to check it out. It surely didn't disappoint with its majestic, impressive architecture that overwhelms your tourist senses. It is my favorite mosque we have visited in Istanbul. Tip- you will have to take your shoes off, some wear something easy to put on and off. For ladies- bring a scarf, you will need one (pack it in your purse for the whole time you visit Turkey, in case you'll want to pop in a mosque along the way). We were here in the spring, so we were wearing jeans, but shorts and short skirts/dresses won't work in the summer. You need long pants/skirt to visit. It is a working mosque, so they close it for prayer a few times a day, so check the schedule ahead of time. Open daily! Free to visit! Located in Sultanahmet Square in the historic district. Easy to spot! You'll recognize it immediately! I jumped in and was determined to visit before next praying session. It was built by 1617 during the time of Sultan Ahmed. It is crowded, a line, but it moves fast. It's awe inducing, so big, huge ceiling, beautiful painted and decorated with Iznik tiles, so fresh and vivid like it was renovated yesterday. It is a classic example of Ottoman architecture and it is one of the most iconic image of Istanbul. read more
If you ask a local where the Blue Mosque is they will look at you funny....because well they have a lot of them. They call this one The Blue Mosque because it has the most blue in it. Blue was a hard color to come by as it came from crushed up Lapis Lazuli gemstones. It is breathtaking. Shoes must be removed inside and knees, shoulders and hair should be covered for all women. Cats are welcome inside and you will see them bask in the beauty of the architecture. Cats are well revered in Turkey. If you're ever in a place and do t see any, you should probably leave the area immediately. read more
This architectural show-off is officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque but that's boring so everyone calls it the Blue Mosque for a reason: it's basically dipped, stuffed, soaked, and marinated in blue tiles. And not just one shade of blue. No, no, this place flexes with five distinct hues, like it's the Taylor Swift of mosques and every blue got a solo. Cerulean, turquoise, cobalt, your ex's eyes, it's all here. This spot was built between 1609 and 1616 under Sultan Ahmed I who apparently said let's go broke in style. The mosque was meant to show the world that the Ottoman Empire could still throw down some serious architecture. And throw down they did with six minarets, which caused drama because the Kaaba in Mecca only had six at the time so cue up the awkward eye rolls. To resolve this, Ahmed just paid for a seventh minaret in Mecca like the ultimate keep the change power move. Inside? Oh, just 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles that glimmer in natural light like they're on the shopping network. And one of those tiles, just one, is apparently worth $250,000. It's beautiful. I don't think I'll ever see red or green again without whispering traitor. I walked in a full-spectrum human, and I left Team Blue for life. Remember that you are going to be looking up until your neck protests. read more
One of the three must-see Istanbul mosques, this one might be the most beautiful. Try to see it both by day and at night. The visit will be somewhat marred by the barrage of huckster tour guides, large annoying tour groups with loud bad guides, and the crowds but going in the off season and when it's raining or very cold makes it much better. Bring cat food, lots of nice Muslim cats to meet and make friends with. Ignore the scammers pretending to be security, there's always an entrance (south entrance) where you can respectfully enter to see inside and it is breathtaking. After, walk around to the West entrance where proper Muslims enter, that entrance is the most richly decorated. The grounds make for a very pleasant walk. This early 17th Century mosque has six minarets, might be the most brilliant masterpiece of the Ottoman era. Sultan Ahmed I ordered construction in what was then the center of Istanbul. He is buried in a mausoleum just outside the mosque walls. The architect, Sedefkar Mehmed Aga achieved what is widely believed to be the perfect proportions. read more
9 months ago
We got there as soon as it opened so the queue wasn't too bad. We didn't have any problem getting admitted as we wore the right clothes. The mosque itself is beautiful. I've never been to one before but it's incredibly detailed. read more
Stunning! Must visit while in Istanbul. The sheet size of the place is incredible, and the colors and details inside are a feast for the eyes. The mosque has shoe storage spaces and will lend you a headscarf if you don't have your own head covering. It was quite busy--be prepared for crowds!--but everything was organized nicely and the line moved fast. read more
Gayle and I visited the Blue Mosque during our recent visit to Istanbul. The Blue Mosque is in an Historic Area of Istanbul, with the Hagia Sophia Mosque, the Topkapı Palace, and the Basilica Cistern all in easy walking distance of each other. Also in the neighborhood are places for women to buy a head scarf (required for entry into the Blue Mosque) and roasted corn on the cob (a healthy snack for those on the go). The Blue Mosque is also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a spectacular tribute to that Ottoman-era ruler who had it built. It's a functioning Mosque and we were there in-between any of the prayer times. Gayle and I should have taken pictures inside (allowed), but sometimes you just can't capture the grandeur of a place properly. It's a bit easier on the outside that way. The mosque has a classical Ottoman layout with a central dome surrounded by four semi-domes over the prayer hall. It is fronted by a large courtyard and flanked by six minarets. On the inside, it is decorated with thousands of Iznik tiles and painted floral motifs in predominantly blue colors, which give the mosque its popular name. There are also separate tourist and prayer entrances. read more
If you go to this mosque that's become a tourist destination, please be respectful and sensitive to those there to prayer. Use hushed voices and abide by the dress code. They have wraps for all at the entrance before you go inside. Remove your shoes. In the courtyard are signs to learn more about Islam. It's free to enter read more
A top site to visit and it's free. The place was mobbed with people inside so you might have to wriggle around to get through. You have to take your shoes off and either carry them around or place them on a shelf. They have some clean and free bathrooms near the entrance. read more
1 year ago
This a really beautiful mosque right across from Hagia Sophia. It's relatively easy to get in and is free. The walls have stunning blue tiles, hence the name. It's certainly worth paying a visit. read more
2 years ago
Blue Mosque is truly a spectacle. Built like a crown atop the land, from afar it's stunning with its white exterior and blue dome tops. When you actually get close to it, it's breathtaking. Highly recommend showing up early before or around opening if you want to get pics without too many people around. From the exterior, you step into a beautiful outdoor entry space (great spot for pics). From here you can see the mosque in front of you as well as three walls around you. To go inside, appropriate dress code is required. Shoulders and knees should not show and women must cover their head. They do have head and knee coverings available before entry. There was no ticket to enter. You must also take off your shoes on the carpet. Inside is grandiose with beautiful architecture which you can walk around and admire. Overall can be a 30-60 min experience depending of if you're taking a lot of pics or admiring the history. There are also bathrooms on the grounds which are SO nice. Very large, clean, and actually really attractive bathroom. read more
Simply amazing. Come early if you don't want a lot of crowds. If you come before sunrise (like we did for a layover tour), the mosque will be lit in all of its grandeur. From the courtyard, you can see the huge domes, six towering minarets, and intricate details everywhere you look. The inside is has thousands of hand-painted blue tiles and beautiful stained glass windows that fill the space with light. This is still an active mosque so plan your visit outside of the prayer times. Women will be required to wear a headscarf (which they will provide if you need one). That said - amazing experience and not to be missed if you're in Istanbul. read more
As all mosques are in Istanbul, this is a holy shrine. This being said, it is more common that you will see a lot of people here who are from other places visiting this mosque as a tourist distraction, as opposed to actually coming here to worship. This is not necessarily a bad or a good thing, just be prepared for what you will find. Overall, as is the case with all of the mosques in Istanbul, this is a beautiful architectural location. It is very beautiful to look at and if you step back from the chaos, it is a nice place to worship. read more
4 months ago
Definitely a must see. Super beautiful and free to the public. Just make sure you're not trying to go in when they're praying. Shoulders and knees must be covered along with hair for women so bring a scarf. There was some confusion and security let in some of our party but not everyone at first we but all got inside in the end. read more
One of my most memorable experiences in Istanbul Turkey was my visit to Sultan Ahmet Camii "The Blue Mosque." The interior of the mosque is adored with beautiful blue tiles stretching from floor to ceiling and arranged in decorative patterns, which, intertwine seamlessly together making for a spectacular visual. Visitors are restricted from wearing certain clothing in the mosque. Men's legs cannot be exposed and women's hair must be covered. Shoes are also not allowed inside. Skirts are provided to men and scarfs for women should they be needed, (Items must be returned). The mosque is a very popular attraction and lines can be extremely long. So, wait times could be in excess of an hour. With that said, it is well worth the wait and I would recommend setting aside sufficient time to visit. Experiencing others customs, cultures and traditions will only enhance one's understanding, awareness and appreciation for developing important and sustainable relationships for all. read more
It becomes a bit repetitive but yet another absolutely spectacular Mosque in the Sultanament/Faith district of Istanbul. The mosque is located on a plaza and sits opposite the Hagia Sofia. It is quite easy to do both in one day but due to lines we chose the shortest one (This mosque) and visited the other in the evening. The Blue Mosque aka Sultan Ahmet Camii represents the pinnacle of Ottoman mosque architecture. It is famous for its 6 minarets which according to legend were due to a mistake in planning misting the word Gold for 6. The sultan was pleased with the design and presumably the architects got to keep their heads LOL. We arrived about 45 minutes before prayer so the lines had thinned out and the wait was minimal to get in. As many have noted there has been alot of restoration going on at the location. However, most of it was complete by the time of our visit. It is just as spectacular on the inside as it is out. There are all told some 20,000+ hand painted tiles adorning the interior and the design and construction is quite intricate. There were too many stained glass windows to count and with the chandeliers the interior is well lit. It is simply difficult to describe the majestic interior and due it justice. There are tons of things to do in the immediate area and I would suggest a degree of flexibility if one line is crazy go somewhere else read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
The Blue Mosque is a "must see" in Istanbul. This was our first stop on our tour of Europe Istanbul with a friend who was born here. This is a functioning mosque. We arrived at a time when it was closed to visitors during prayers, which gave us time to walk around the area and seek out some lunch. When we returned, we had little wait to enter. But first, you have to remove your shoes before entering. The immense nature of the interior is awesome. Hundreds ... if not thousands ... of tourists and worshipers filled the Blue Mosque, yet it didn't feel crowded. read more
9 months ago
2 years ago
Probably the most famous Mosque in the world. Built as the behest of Sultan Ahmet in 1609 and took 9 years to complete. The nickname comes from the 20,000 shimmering blue green tiles covering the ceiling. Also has 260 stained glass windows plus calligraphy and intricate floral patterns painted on the ceiling. A must see site. read more
Currently it is under construction & didn't look blue. It was very very crowded & didn't look at all as I remembered it on my last visit. The Mosque was built at the peak of Ottoman military & cultural power, in 1575. The emperor tried to centralize the empire & created this distinctive mosque. We went from the courtyard into the prayer hall. The façades above the courtyard arches are decorated with 2 marble circles inscribed with quotes from the Qur'an that we couldn't see. The blue tiles & stained glass did not envelope us this time. The dome & 8 pillars rivals the Hagia Sofia. The mosque is painted with arabesque motifs, plant or flower motifs, & calligraphic inscriptions, mostly from the 19th-century. The 4 identical minarets are some of the tallest ever built, at 70.89 meters tall. read more
Out of the two mosques I visited in Instanbul this was by far my favorite. The interior was so elaborate and beautiful. The outside part was something out of this world. As a woman you must wear the hijab to enter and I liked that they provide it free to patrons. The interior is stunning, with high vaulted ceilings and dimly lit lighting. It's truly a wonder to see! read more
Refer to my prior cruise reviews of Kusadasi, Ephesus and Istanbul's Galataport. We pulled into Istanbul's Galataport, where there was lots of shopping and restaurants within walking distance. We took a Viva tour bus from the Galataport basement to tour this area. We firstly toured this most famous Sultan Ahmed Camii Blue Mosque. Public restrooms were located outside the mosque entrance. This is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It was constructed between 1609 and 1617. We toured the mosque on the outside and inside. It was quite impressive on the outside and inside. Women must wear a head covering prior to entering the mosque. They pass out head coverings on line at the entrance. You also must remove your shoes prior to entering. We had plastic bags from the tour bus to carry our shoes with us before we entered the mosque. Muslims were actually praying, when we toured the inside. Check out my pics and videos from the outside and inside of the mosque. More to come regarding the other sites we experienced in this same area. More lots of walking around. read more
Sultan Ahmet is perhaps the most famous mosque outside Turkey and/or the Muslim world. I'd assume it's one of the top three tourist sites in Istanbul (along with Hagia Sophia and the Grand Bazaar), though I have no way to know that. It's a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The mosque is across from the Hagia Sophia, so together make a nice visit. This is a large complex, and has six minarets--one of only five in all of Turkey with as many. It is a later mosque than many of the other famed Istanbul mosques, having been built in the early years of the 17th century. As such, it was not built by Sinan, Istanbul's most famous architect, but one of his students. It gets (perhaps better recognized) informal name, the Blue Mosque, from the blue tiles that decorate the mosque. It's really beautiful, from the courtyard and ablution fountain to the inside with it's intricate design. The central dome is high and lofty and the interior very bright because there are many windows. This is an active house of worship, thus during the five prayer times throughout the day it is not available to visitors. Pay close attention to when prayer happens (it will be listed in the newspaper, or you can probably find it online), because the mosque will be closed for about an hour and a half. There will likely be quite a few people there, and a line. That may seem tiring but don't do what my mom and I did... Sultan Ahmet was our very first stop on our first full day in Istanbul. We approached it from the wrong side because we hadn't yet gotten our bearings in the city or in the neighborhood (we were staying about 10 minutes away). Someone noticed us and offered help to show us where to get into the mosque, and then took us into the mosque... well, even though he was quite genial, he was a salesman. After we spent time at the mosque he took us to the rug shop where he worked and we didn't want to be rude, so we visited the rug shop where he and his... (father? Father in law? Boss? unsure) showed us and talked about some of them. After a few minutes we took our leave as gracefully as we could but it was a bit awkward and of course I felt naive thinking that this was just a person helping to point us the correct way, and also kicking myself for not being as careful as I tend to be at home when it comes to interacting with strangers. Having said all that, the man who took us through was really quite kind; he explained to us some of the features of the mosque like the mihrab (a niche in the wall toward which the worships pray), and how women and men are to pray in separate areas of the mosque. We learned that in many--most?--mosques, the carpet has a repeating design that is in parallel lines in order to allow worshippers to pray in an orderly way. This is the first mosque I'd ever been in, so I appreciated a bit of information to orient me to the architecture of the space and understand the significance of various features to Islam. When you visit the mosque, you will be required to remove your shoes and leave them outside the temple. Dress appropriately, remembering this is a place of worship; men should not wear shorts, and women should have their legs covered and be prepared to wear a head covering. If you haven't brought your own scarf, they will have them here for you to borrow at no charge. read more
3 years ago
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, AKA Sultanahmet Camii, AKA The Blue Mosque is an Ottoman-era imperial mosque known for its blue tiled dome and popular location in old Istanbul. Constructed between 1609 and 1616 the space resides near Ayasofya and draws an equally large crowd throughout the day. Currently under construction through mid-2023 access is limited but it is really the exterior that matters anyhow for fans of architecture. read more
This was probably one of my most favorite places in Istanbul. We had a tour guide who was amazing (review coming), and brought us here. I brought my own head covering and was conservatively dressed, and of course wore a mask. When you enter the mosque, if you turn around there's a mirror above the door, from which you can see Haggia Sophia. It's truly stunning. Avoid prayer times to avoid a long line to get in, and wear shoes that are easy to remove and put back on as you won't wear shoes inside. While we were there, there was some construction going on but it didn't detract from the overall feel of peace. This is a can't miss spot in Istanbul. read more
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Sultan Ahmet Camii - Blue Mosque - landmarks - Updated August 2026
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