Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque is probably the first place that tourists visit in Istanbul. It is situated on one end of Sultanahmet Park, a widespread landscaped open space with beautiful fountains and water sprays just in front of Hagia Sophia. Upon arrival, you'll be welcomed by a wide courtyard dominated by six minarets, creating a filter between the city and the inner space, containing the facilities for ablutions of believers. The many domes and semi-domes of the Blue Mosque, built over 500 years ago, were inspired by its neighbours Hagia Sophia and Suleymaniye Mosque, making it an interesting fusion of byzantine elements into the predominantly Islamic architecture.
However, the highlight is its interior, accessed from the south entrance and finely decorated with thousands of blues tiles, which earned Sultan Ahmed Mosque the more popular sobriquet Blue Mosque. Despite the crowds of tourists invading it, its charm is not diminished. Upon entering the religious complex, you will feel a mystic atmosphere. Just sit for a few minutes in silence on the velvety carpet to feel this magic and to admire the enormous chandeliers mixing their warm light with the sunshine entering from the many windows of the exedrae.

When visiting a mosque, never forget to raise your head to see the interior of the domes, always beautifully decorated. Since it's a religious place, it is closed to visitors during praying time. While visiting any religious site you must show respect towards the religion and its beliefs, as well as follow the dress code.