What is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul?
The Blue Mosque is the popular name of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Built between 1609 and 1616, it's famous for its six minarets, cascading domes and over 20,000 blue Iznik tiles inside. It's still a working mosque, and visitors of any faith can enter for free outside prayer times.
A short history
Sultan Ahmed I, the young Ottoman ruler, ordered the mosque when he was still a teenager. His architect, Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, was a student of the great Mimar Sinan. The mosque stands opposite Hagia Sophia in the old Sultanahmet district, and the two buildings face each other across a park.
The six minarets were unusual at the time and are still its most recognisable feature. Inside, the hand-painted tiles in blue, turquoise and green, plus more than 200 stained-glass windows, give the hall its soft blue light and its nickname.
Why Muslims value building mosques
The Prophet ﷺ said that whoever builds a mosque for the sake of Allah, Allah builds for him a house like it in Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari 450, Sahih Muslim 533). Grand mosques like this one were built with that hope, as well as to serve the city.
Visiting the Blue Mosque
- Entry: free. Tourists are asked to leave during the five daily prayers and for longer around Friday midday prayer.
- Dress: shoulders and knees covered; women cover their hair. Scarves and wraps are usually provided at the door.
- Shoes: taken off and carried in a bag.
- Behaviour: keep your voice low and don't walk in front of people praying.
The mosque reopened in 2023 after a long restoration, so the interior is brighter than it has been for years. For more on dress codes and etiquette, see What should I wear to the mosque?
Praying there as a Muslim
As a Muslim, you can join the congregational prayers; just go in through the worshippers' entrance rather than the tourist queue. For many converts, praying in a historic mosque with thousands of others is an unforgettable experience. Non-Muslim friends are welcome to come along as visitors. See Can I visit a mosque if I'm not Muslim? Turkey is also an easy destination for halal food and prayer spaces. See Which countries are Muslim-friendly for travel?
- Official name: Sultan Ahmed Mosque, built 1609 to 1616.
- Known for six minarets and blue Iznik tiles.
- Still an active mosque; entry is free.
- Tourists pause their visit during prayer times.
People also ask
What if my wudu breaks during Jumu'ah?
If your wudu breaks during Jumu'ah, leave quietly, renew it and rejoin. Catch one full rak'ah and you finish it as Jumu'ah; otherwise pray Dhuhr.
Read the full answer →Can a mosque be built with a mortgage?
No, most scholars say a mosque shouldn't be built with an interest-based mortgage. Halal options: donations, qard hasan and Islamic finance.
Read the full answer →Can Muslims play sports in a mosque?
It depends on where. Ball games in the prayer hall are generally disliked, but a mosque gym, sports hall or courtyard is fine for sport.
Read the full answer →What if people at the mosque are rude to me?
If people at the mosque are rude to you, stay calm, take any useful advice, and report repeated mistreatment. Rudeness isn't Islam's teaching.
Read the full answer →Why are there no chairs or pews in mosques?
Mosques have no pews because Muslim prayer includes bowing and prostrating on the floor. Chairs are still provided for those who need them.
Read the full answer →