Blue Mosque
168 reviews
October 9
The always crowded Sultanahmet Mosque, which gives its name to the historical district of Istanbul, is at the top of foreign "must-see places in Istanbul" lists. If you ask me, there are more aesthetic mosques in Istanbul, especially Rüstem Pasha and Ortaköy Mosques, but of course, the Sultanahmet Mosque has a completely different weight with its place in history and the city skyline. Sultan Ahmet I, who had the mosque built, wanted to do exactly this: to leave his mark on Istanbul with an imposing mosque that would be visible from all over Istanbul.
Thus, the only mosque with 6 minarets in the Ottoman Empire was built. It is decorated from top to bottom with more than 20 thousand Iznik tiles. These tiles are the reason why foreigners call this mosque "Blue Mosque". When the mosque was first built, it was met with a lot of reaction both at home and abroad. The people are upset that the state coffers are being emptied with unnecessary expenses, and the Muslim world is being flooded with the world's only mosque with 6 minarets in the Kaaba. So much so that the Sultan had to build a 7th minaret for the mosque in the Kaaba.
Sultan Ahmet I, who came to the throne at the age of 14 and wanted a mosque built in his name at the age of 19, wanted this mosque to be built in his name to be a mosque that would be visible from all over Istanbul. In addition, since Ahmet I wanted the art aspect of this mosque to be at the forefront as well as architecture, he made an agreement with Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa, who was both an architect and a mother-of-pearl master. Mehmet Agha was aware that his work would compete with two important giants such as Suleymaniye and Hagia Sophia. This sweet competition resulted in the Sultanahmet Mosque, where art and liveliness are visible at every point.
We know that in the early 17th century, when the social complex was built, the economic power of the Ottoman Empire was greatly reduced, there were territorial losses, and rebellions began in Anatolia. You can imagine how much such a large structure cost the state in such a painful period. Moreover, the Sultanahmet Mosque was built with money from the state treasury, not from war spoils. This caused public reaction.
The mosque, arasta and hünkar pavilion sections of the building, which was built as a social complex between 1590-1617, were opened with a ceremony. The construction of other buildings continued until 1920. According to a rumor, on the day of the foundation laying, the sultan himself filled his skirt with stones and helped the workers. When Ahmet I died in 1617 at the age of 27, his tomb was built and he was buried here.
Sultanahmet Mosque also has a sensational side. Throughout history, Hagia Sophia wanted to surpass the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem, and Suleymaniye wanted to surpass Hagia Sophia. At the end of this competition, it was decided that the Sultanahmet Mosque would surpass Hagia Sophia only, so as not to disrespect its ancestors, and the mosque was built with 6 minarets, unlike any other in the Ottoman Empire. However, these 6 minarets added much magnificence to it and caused some conflicts. This situation, which was considered disrespectful to the mosque in the Kaaba, which had 6 minarets at that time, ended when Sultan Ahmet I added a 7th minaret to the mosque in the Kaaba.
According to another rumor, Ahmet I wanted to have the minarets of the mosque made of gold. However, since this decision would exceed the state's budget, Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa pretended to understand the word "gold" as "six" and built the mosque with 6 minarets.
3
July 5
A visit to the Blue Mosque in June 2024 is a delightful immersion in history and culture. The architectural beauty of the building, immersed in light, is striking in its elegance. Historical arches and domes rise, reminding of the greatness of the Ottoman Empire. This place is a real pearl of Istanbul, where every detail is filled with the grandeur of the past and pious silence.
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4
June 27
An amazing mosque with a huge territory where you can walk, the history of this mosque is also very interesting, it is located near the Fatih district (almost all mosques are within walking distance)
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1
June 24
Free entrance, handkerchiefs and skirts are given out if necessary (free of charge), there are places to relax, smoke, decent free toilets. Clean, cultured, pleasant to be in.
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4
June 10
A very beautiful mosque. Like in the best Turkish TV series. A large area. Clear. But, there is a large crowd of people. You'll have to stand in line. You can relax in the surrounding area.
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3
September 20, 2023
Нашпигованный богатой историей Топкапы. Он расположен на мысе, который разделяет Золотой рог и мраморное море. Поэтому виды фантастические. Здесь целый комплекс мечетей, музеев, парков, садов, библиотек и т.д. Красивая архитектура, богатое убранство, уникальная коллекция сокровищ. Именно в этом дворце проходили главные торжества, вступление султана на трон, религиозные мероприятия. Есть много музейных экспозиций. От оружия, до предметов различных обиходов, одежда султана, кинжал Топкапы, Алмаз Кашички и т.д. Вкратце как-то так. Мы провели целый день. Все понравилось. Еда здесь дорогая, можно с собой принести перекус. Входные билеты не дорогие. Приглашаю побывать в гостях у Султана сулеймана))).
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3
April 14
When in Istanbul, we always find time to go to the Blue Mosque. Greatness and tranquility capture the heart. It's worth standing in line. Thoughts become clearer and a restless mind finds peace.
The Blue Mosque, or Sultanahmet Mosque, is the first mosque in Istanbul. It has six minarets: four, as usual, on the sides, and two slightly less high ~ on the outer corners. It is considered an outstanding example of Islamic and world architecture.
As in any mosque, I take off my shoes, and try to cover my head with a new scarf or handkerchief bought at the entrance. There were always a lot of people, especially at Friday prayers.
Visiting the Blue Mosque is not just a tour of a historical place, it is an immersion into the world of spiritual reflection and a deep understanding of the cultural heritage of this land.
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7
May 10
I am not a connoisseur of Muslim culture and religion , so my short review is purely from an aesthetic point of view . 🙂
It's beautiful. Especially at sunset. Admission is free. If you want to go inside, take a shoe bag with you. Despite the fact that there are shelves inside for her, after Thailand, where expensive sneakers are stolen in temples, I'm afraid to leave them. The mosque is large, with high mosaic ceilings. All the worshippers are sitting on the floor, on a soft carpet. The atmosphere is pleasant, being inside is calm and peaceful.
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6
May 21
Istanbul is a mosque, a lot, but almost all the same, this one is very large and the most visited, a lot of people, you can see it once.for general development.
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3
September 27
A must-visit in Istanbul, especially since everything can be seen for free!
There are incredible stained glass windows inside, it looks charming. There are a lot of people, you need to push straight inside.
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May 11
The Blue Mosque is open after renovation. I've already been there in 2024. I came in after the service at 21:00. I just wanted to see and feel the power and beauty of the blue marble. Thinking that Muslims are always allowed in. Just tourists when there is no service. You must come in. It's free. And there are burials nearby, they are also allowed for free. I focus on this, because Now almost everything is paid in Istanbul and very expensive. Prices have increased 3 times in a year. If a family is traveling, then $ 150 is too much to go into grief. And you can get acquainted with the ancient buildings for free. While they're letting you go somewhere.
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2
July 15
Incomparable!!!! It is impressive and admirable! You can stay on the territory for a long time and look at all this beauty!
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1
October 21
Unfortunately, it was under reconstruction in October 2024. It spoiled the impression. There are a lot of people both inside the mosque and in the courtyard. It's beautiful, of course, but I liked Suleymania more.
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October 6
Large-scale, beautiful. The tourists' visit is well organized, there are a lot of people, but the queue moves quickly.
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3
September 20
A place where every tourist who comes to Istanbul should visit! A square with a centuries-old history! It is advisable to go down from the square on foot , along the tram tracks !
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3
October 7, 2023
A majestic structure on the territory adjacent to the temple, and now the St. Sophia Mosque.
As well as in the church of St.Sofia, the volume is eaten up by numerous cables hanging lamps.
Very beautiful stained glass windows, thanks to which the mosque received the nickname Blue.
There are small shelves near the exit where you can take literature in different languages, including Russian, for free. Literature is about Islam.
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4
August 10
Pros: admission is free.
Cons: there are a lot of people and tourists, but despite this it is not very noisy and you can enjoy the grandeur and beauty
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1
May 16
It's impossible to put it into words, it needs to be seen. Very majestic and beautiful! How many times have I heard about this mosque and finally saw it. A must-visit place for all Istanbul guests!
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5
July 23
I think comments are unnecessary here, so much peace of mind comes as soon as you enter the territory, the architecture is just fire 👍
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3
November 8, 2023
The most beautiful attraction of the Turkish capital and probably one of the most impressive architectural complexes among Muslim temples. Definitely worth a visit, you won't regret it.
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6
April 28
The mosque is beautiful, both inside and on the territory. Admission is free in April 2024. The main rule for women is to wear a headscarf and go in without shoes, for everyone. During prayers, the mosque is closed, you can only walk in the courtyard. It's spacious inside. There is a toilet on the territory of the mosque, free of charge.
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2
May 17
A place of power, a place of great history for the whole of Turkey. Admission is free, it closes periodically for 15-20 minutes for Prayer.
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1
July 14
An architectural masterpiece, fantastic! A very beautiful mosque. It is definitely worth seeing the interior
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November 8
The very legend of the creation of this mosque teaches me, as a builder, the correct drafting of contracts. The building itself is very impressive in its scale. They don't build like that anymore.
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August 2
Entrance to the Blue Mosque is free for now. The queue is moving fast. It closes for prayer periodically throughout the day. Women should have their heads, elbows and knees covered, men should have their knees covered. If anything, they give out capes and special skirts. The entrance is from the Egyptian obelisk.
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2
May 1
Alhamdulillah, he performed Friday juma prayer here. The architecture is very beautiful. The volumes are very large. Considering the year of construction, we can say that it is one of the seven wonders of the world.
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4
July 5
The ancient mosque with a grand scale is very beautiful inside and out! A world heritage with a great history!
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September 23
Gorgeous sunsets overlooking this mosque. It is also beautiful inside, they give out handkerchiefs, there is a soft carpet on the floor. Very beautiful stained glass windows
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3
May 9
A new large functioning mosque. After the renovation, it causes even more awe and admiration. There are a lot of tourists inside, which probably causes some inconvenience for believers
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3
1
September 15
A wonderful place, alas, the entrance has become paid and not accessible to everyone, you can go for free to evening prayer
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1
November 28, 2023
This mosque is of course a gorgeous architectural creation. Luxury is present in literally every element. This is probably the richest mosque in Istanbul. I definitely recommend you to visit.
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3
May 20
When you are next to such a monumental structure, you feel all the power and greatness of that time, those people thanks to whom we had the honor to contemplate this beauty
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1
July 5
A beautiful mosque, visiting such places you plunge into the history of these places. I recommend to see what there is to see.
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3
November 4
A majestic and beautiful mosque. We were in October 2024, there was no queue at 10 a.m. I recommend you to visit.
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October 23
It is a very beautiful and interesting place, there is where to walk and what to see.
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April 30
Изумительные по красоте, убранству, цветовому решению, размаху место!!! Днём туристов море, надо идти вечером между службами, можно попасть вовнутрь. Дресс -код учитывайте
3
July 24
Nicely. There are a lot of tourists. The queue is moving fast enough. The tour was very interesting with a guide speaking in Russian. The mosque is operational.
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1
October 9
I learned more about Islam in this mosque than anywhere else. I learned about how the mosque is organized, how prayer takes place... Thanks!
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1
April 27
My beloved Istanbul!!!❤️ ☪️I can't convey my feelings for this city. And of course St. Sophia!!! I recommend EVERYONE to take a look.
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2
September 22
Besides the fact that this attraction is one of the main ones and must-visit, I have nothing to add.
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1
September 24, 2023
Красиво, величесвенно. Уютно. И при это приятное ощущение от духа мусульманский веры и культуры. Сдесь хочется просто посидеть и приобщиться к их традициям.
3
August 21
I really liked the interior, but the flooring leaves much to be desired. It smells like dirty feet and there's nothing to breathe.
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December 10, 2023
A gorgeous place for every Muslim to visit in his life. The Hagia Sophia Cathedral is located opposite. The visit is free of charge. During prayer hours, the visit is suspended.
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3
April 13
This is my first trip to Istanbul!
No wonder tourists love this city, my trip was in March, in the month of Ramadan. There were both rains and sunshine! But it did not put a pleasant time!
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3
May 2
The Blue Mosque gives a head start on the appearance of the main one, but the queues there are the same as everywhere else, and this is not the season yet. Admission is free. They knew how to build beautifully. Take a look at it once.
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3
May 19
A historical place. A must-visit. Beauty....
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2
November 8
It is very beautiful and majestic, it is closed during prayer!
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April 18
A stunningly beautiful place. Especially in the evening, when the backlight turns on, it looks magical
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3
July 7
I really liked it. A wonderful tourist place
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1
September 26
A great place, I advise you to visit the park nearby
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