travelgrove Travel Tips
 

Sultanahmet - The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

 
00
    
Legend
  • History & Culture travel tip
  • City center
Distance from city center: 1.1mi
blackangel_66's pictureby blackangel_66 History & Culture travel tip
added on the 9th of December, 2009
It's official name is Sultanahmet, after Ahmet I, who ordered it's construction. It is next to Hagia Sophia, but it's six minarets and cascading domes dominate the view of the city.

There was some scandal, because only the Great Haram Mosque had six minarets, but the sultan solved the problem: he sent his architect to add one more minaret to the Haram Mosque. Smart guy!

The mosque got it's unofficial name (Blue Mosque) for the 20,000 blue tiles that decorate the high ceiling in the inside of it. It is a breathtaking view how the shiny tiles wave across the ceiling forming flowers, trees and other shapes.

There are also 260 windows on the mosque with beautiful (although not original) stained glass. It is one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen.

Address:
Sultanahmet
Istanbul

Price:
FREE!

Opening Hours:
Daily from 9am to 6pm, except for the praying times, half an hour five times per day.

 
Hagia SophiaIstanbul Archeology Museum
 
 
 
History & Culture
tips

Recent travel tips for Istanbul

  • Galata Tower
    We wanted to take some pictures of Istanbul so we decided to go up the Galata Tower and have a glimpse of the city. The view from up there is absolutely beautiful. we took turns in posing for photos and we had much fun. The only thing I [...]
    D: 0.8mi00
  • Pasazade Restaurant
    Featuring Ottoman cuisine with rich flavors the Pasazade Restaurant or terrace for that matter is a delight in its own. They absolutely delicious dishes with spicy ingredients and it just waters your mouth the minute you just look at your [...]
    D: 0.4mi00
  • Topkapi Palace
    Used as the main residence for the Sultan Mehmet II, the Topkapi Palace now is such a major tourist attraction that it is almost very crowded. There are very many people, you have to queue to buy your ticket and sometimes you don't get [...]
    D: 0.8mi50
  • Aloran Restaurant
    We just loved the food and the service at the Aloran Restaurant. Though a bit pricey, and we had quite a trouble finding the place for starters, but aside from that, the food, the atmosphere was worth it. At least for us. When we went [...]
    D: 0.4mi00
  • One Nation Travel Turkey
    We thought that for the first time it would be great not to organize our trips in a foreign city ourselves, so we booked in advance for a 6-Day Istanbul Package with One Nation Travel Turkey agency. We were picked from the airport on our [...]
    D: 0.7mi11

Things about Istanbul you may be interested in

 
 
 
guides

Recommended

Istanbul Sights

On the European side, historical places are found almost everywhere. The Topkapi Palace is the imperial enclave of the powerful Ottoman Empire. That is why, all of the former empire can offer is found in its four courts of increasing grandeur. The Blue Mosque or the Sultan Ahmet Mosque is open to everybody. Although certain restrictions in the clothing must be followed, entrance to this amazing [...]
 
 
 

More travel tips you might be interested in

Sydney, Australia
If you are holidaying on a budget but don’t want to compromise on quality, our Sydney hotel deal for tonight is perfect for you. Our hotels in...
General: Sydney Hotel Deals for Tonight

Galapagos, Ecuador
When any of us think about the Galapagos we usually think of huge tortoises and Charles Darwin the man who created the idea of evolution. The...
Sightseeing: Charles Darwin Station

 

Barcelona, Spain
Las Ramblas is basically the Champs Elysees of Barcelona and even more. You can find here everything. It is about 2 km long and is lined with...
Outdoors Activities: Las Ramblas

Orleans, France
As you may know, Orleans was the hometown of Joan of Arc, the heroine of France. She changed the outcome of the Hundred Years War in the favour of...
Family & Fun: Joan of Arc Day

 

Plitvice, Croatia
If you are at Plitvice you should definitely take a look at the lakes of Plitvice. They are gorgeous and also famous through the german Winnetou...
Outdoors Activities: Famous Lakes, also known from the old Winnetou films

New Delhi, India
The India Gate is the national monument of India. It is one of the largest war memorials in India. Situated in the heart of New Delhi, India Gate...
History & Culture: India Gate

 

Buena Park, California
Knott's Berry Farm is a great distraction for a family or a group of friends. There are so many things to do there! They have a fiesta village...
Family & Fun: Knott's Berry Farm

Buffalo, New York
If you travel to Buffalo, you definitely shouldn't miss taking part on a Spirit of Buffalo Sailing Adventure. The crew is awesome, they are very...
History & Culture: Spirit of Buffalo Sailing Adventure

 

Saugus, Massachusetts
Check out my blog http://ebloggor.blogspot.com Average preice for an entree is under $10.00 and there is a great pub and a wonderful Southwest...
Food: Best Restaurant

Durban, South Africa
Plan ahead, go on line or to the local library and find out about the places you are visiting, to know everything about it.
General: Visit the local library

 
 
 
 
   Welcome to Travelgrove  register tell a friend bookmark it 
 
 
*