Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)

Named for its dazzling interior covered in blue tiles, this is a hub of Istanbul's religious life.

The Blue Mosque is a prominent part of view of the Istanbul skyline. Constructed under Sultan Ahmed I, it was finished in 1616. Its designer's vision was to display the Islamic faith central to the Ottoman Empire in this massive site of worship.

Approach from the direction of the Hippodrome to best appreciate the grandeur of the architecture. There are six minarets and a number of soaring domes, making for a enormously striking spectacle.

Go through the encircling wall into the courtyard – this area is very busy after sunset during the fast of Ramadan. The madrasa Islamic school and the hospice can be found here, as can the tomb of the man for whom the mosque is named, Sultan Ahmed I, who died just one year after its completion in 1617.

The main claim to fame of the Blue Mosque is to be found in the 20,000 blue ceramic tiles adorning the interior with over 50 distinct tulip images. The upper part of the building is also painted blue, and the kaleidoscope of light provided by the stained glass windows above is a sight to behold.

Entry to the mosque is free, but donations for its upkeep are welcomed. As it is continuously in use as a religious site of worship, there are a number of practices visitors are asked to respect. Silent and discreet behaviour should be observed, with no flash photography permitted. You should remove your shoes before entering and place them in one of the plastic bags which are available. Women are asked to cover their hair with a scarf.

The mosque is served by the nearby Sultanahmet light rail and metro station in the Old City. The Blue Mosque is closed five times a day for prayer. In summer there are evening history classes on the site, and also breathtaking light shows – check the website before your visit.

Popular Activities at Blue Mosque

There are loads of ways to enjoy this place. Here's a list of things you can do at Blue Mosque:

For more activities, take a look at our Istanbul things to do page.

Guide to Exploring Blue Mosque

Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya)

A world famous monument to the ever-changing history of Istanbul, and one of the largest churches in the world.

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Hippodrome (Hipodrom)

Stroll around this fascinating urban park to take a step back in time and admire the culture of old Constantinople.

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Topkapi Palace

Stately home to the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years with an array of Turkish design and foreign art.

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Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayi)

'The Sunken Palace' is the biggest of the hundreds of underground reservoirs underneath the streets of Istanbul, dating from Byzantine Constantinople.

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Gülhane Park

Visit this central park to take leisurely strolls through rose gardens, visit visit museums and a sultan’s palace and enjoy views of the Bosphorus Strait.

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Grand Bazaar (Kapalı Çarşı)

Visit one of the biggest and oldest covered markets in the world, a real taste (and smell and sound!) of the diversity that Turkey has to offer.

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Map

Top Hotel Deals

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Doruk Palas Hotel RM238

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Doruk Palas Hotel

Emekyemez Mahallesi, Nazli Hanim Sk. No 19 Galata, Istanbul, Istanbul

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Istanbul City Center, this hotel is within a 15-minute walk of Galata Tower and Pera Museum. Suleymaniye Mosque and Spice Bazaar are also within 1 mile (2 km). Tunel Square Station is only a 4-minute walk and Karakoy Station is 8 minutes.

Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class RM580

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Sultanhan Hotel - Special Class

Piyer Loti Cad No:7, Istanbul, Istanbul

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Sultanahmet, this spa hotel is steps away from Cemberlitas Bath and Column of Constantine. Sultanahmet Square and Hagia Sophia are also within 10 minutes. Cemberlitas Station and Sultanahmet Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel RM642

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Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel

Divanyolu Cd. Alemdar Mah., Ticarethane Sk. No 10 Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Istanbul hotel is located in the historical district, within a 5-minute walk of German Fountain, Basilica Cistern and Sultanahmet Square. Hippodrome of Constantinople and Cagaloglu Hamami are also within 5 minutes. Sultanahmet Station is only a 2-minute walk and Cemberlitas Station is 5 minutes.

Ottoman Hotel Imperial - Special Class RM366

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Ottoman Hotel Imperial - Special Class

Caferiye Sok. No. 6/1, Sultanhmet, Istanbul, Istanbul

4.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Istanbul hotel is located in the historical district, just steps away from Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia. Istanbul Archaeology Museum and Sultanahmet Square are also within 5 minutes. Sultanahmet Station is 5 minutes by foot and Gulhane Station is 6 minutes.

GLK PREMIER The Home Suites & Spa RM524

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GLK PREMIER The Home Suites & Spa

Kucukayasofya Cad No:60, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

This family-friendly Istanbul hotel is located by the ocean, within a 10-minute walk of Little Hagia Sophia, Mosaic Museum and Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. Blue Mosque and Sultanahmet Square are also within 10 minutes. Sultanahmet Station is 11 minutes by foot and Cemberlitas Station is 13 minutes.

The Laila Hotel RM149

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The Laila Hotel

binbirdirek mahallesi, katipsinan cami sokak no 21, Istanbul, Istanbul

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Sultanahmet, this hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, Cemberlitas Bath and Hippodrome of Constantinople. Grand Bazaar and Sultanahmet Square are also within 10 minutes. Cemberlitas Station and Sultanahmet Station are within a 5-minute walk.

Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet RM1,104

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Ajwa Hotel Sultanahmet

Emin Sinan Mah Piyerloti Cad No: 30, Sultanahmet, Istanbul

5.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Sultanahmet, this luxury hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Column of Constantine and Turkish and Islamic Art Museum. Basilica Cistern and Hagia Sophia are also within 15 minutes. Cemberlitas Station is only a 4-minute walk and Beyazit Station is 6 minutes.

Senatus Hotel - Special Class RM340

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Senatus Hotel - Special Class

Akbiyik Caddesi No: 40, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Istanbul

0.0 out of 5.0 Stars

Located in Sultanahmet, this hotel is within a 10-minute walk of Arasta Bazaar, Basilica Cistern and Blue Mosque. Topkapi Palace and Istanbul Archaeology Museum are also within 15 minutes. Istanbul Cankurtaran Station is only a 3-minute walk and Sultanahmet Station is 10 minutes.