During your stay in Istanbul, would you like to visit the Blue Mosque? Here are all the necessary information to discover this famous Turkish monument and the secrets it contains.
Symbol of grandeur with its thirteen domes and six minarets, the Blue Mosque is one of the major monuments of Istanbul. Splendid and bright in colour, it is part of the most beautiful Ottoman mosques stambouliot.
The Blue Mosque stands proudly on Sultanahmet Meydani Square, probably the largest and most famous in Istanbul. And for cause: it not only houses the Blue Mosque, but also the Hagia Sofia, the Basilica Citerne and the Topkapi Palace.
Would you like to visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul? You will find in this article all the things to know in order to discover it in its least corners. From its history to visiting boards, to the price of its ticket and its opening hours, you will know everything about this majestic monument after reading this article!
History of the Blue Mosque
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko
Located next to the Basilica of St. Sophia, the Blue Mosque is also known as the Mosque of Sultan Ahmed 1er. This is the largest mosque in Istanbul, which became the main starting point of the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca. Sultan Ahmed built this mosque to compete with the Basilica of St. Sophia and thus demonstrate that Muslim architecture was no less valuable than Christian architecture.
It was built between 1609 and 1616 by the famous architect Sinan. The organization of construction work was described in its small details in eight volumes, still preserved today in the library of the Topkapi Palace. It was scandalous because, in theory, no mosque should count as many minarets as that of Mecca, which was whistled by six at the time.
During the construction of the Blue Mosque, a seventh minaret was erected in Mecca. It is considered the last example of classical Ottoman architecture. The mosque holds its name because it houses more than 20,000 Iznik blue ceramic tiles .
Our tips to visit the Blue Mosque
To organize your stay in Istanbul and include the visit of the Blue Mosque, here are some tips that will surely be useful to you.
Photo credit: Shutterstock – AlexAnton
The best time to visit the Blue Mosque
Many visitors sign up for the visit of the Blue Mosque on their list of unmissable during their stay in Istanbul. Indeed, it is one of the most famous monuments of the Turkish capital. The best time to avoid the crowd is therefore the Opening from the mosque. It certainly requires getting up a little earlier than usual, but the game is worth it!
Duration of visit
We recommend that you plan about 30 minutes to visit the mosque and be able to admire all the details of its ceramics. If you choose one guided tour , you will have on average for 45 minutes to one hour . Of course, you can stay inside the mosque the time you want... Until the next prayer!
Miscellaneous accuracy
- The mosque is open to all visitors, regardless of their confession. It is important to emphasize this because it is not the case of all mosques;
- To appreciate the maximum splendour, approach the mosque from the centre of the hippodrome rather than from the park;
- Photos and videos are allowed inside the mosque. The top when you want to set up a souvenir album;
- The visit of the Blue Mosque is welcome to wheelchair users thanks to a large ramp on the side.
What to do during your visit to the Blue Mosque?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Yarygin
Admire its architecture
In the Muslim world, a mosque usually has a minaret. The six minarets of the Blue Mosque make it a unique building. Allied to its thirteen domes, they make this mosque a monument to Ottoman architecture.
Out of its spectacular interior
The inside of the mosque is truly breathtaking. When you enter the inside, it is a rain of filtered light by a few 200 windows which is offered to us. Beautifully calligraphed Surahs and sumptuous woven carpets complement this magical painting that will remain engraved in your memory.
Mausolée du Sultan Ahmed 1er
In front of Sultanahmet Park, on the north side of the mosque you will find the tomb of Sultan Ahmed 1er. Having attained the throne at the age of 13, he turned out in his twenty-seventh year.
How much does a ticket cost to the Blue Mosque?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Luciano Mortula – LGM
The visit is made all year on free entry . Indeed, as for the majority of religious monuments, the ticket for the Blue Mosque is free . One correct holding is required and veils are lent at the entrance for women. The shoes must be left at the entrance .
How to book an online ticket for the Blue Mosque?
As the entry is free, it is not possible to book an online ticket for the Blue Mosque. However, you can book a guided tour of this monument or combined visit several stamboo monuments.
Are there any guided tours of the Blue Mosque?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – NORTHERN IMAGERY
It is possible to use a guide to visit the Blue Mosque. This will reveal the best-kept secrets of this religious monument.
Are there visits combined with other monuments in Istanbul?
Photo credit: Shutterstock – muratart
You will find many opportunities to visit the Blue Mosque combined with other stambouliot monuments. Among these, you can find, for example, the Palace of Topkapi or the Basilica of St.
Day of tour to discover the main monuments of Istanbul
This guided tour of the old town of Istanbul includes the visit of the Blue Mosque, the Basilica of St. Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome and the tombs of the Sultans. A time is also planned to stroll around the Grand Bazar.
Blue Mosque, St. Sophia Basilica and Topkapi Palace
During this private tour, discover the wonders of the Palace of Topkapi, the Blue Mosque and the Basilica of St. Finish this busy day leaving to the Great Bazar assault.
Virtual tour of the Blue Mosque and Sainte-Sophie
This is an unusual visit! If you are not on Istanbul but are dreaming of discovering its strengths, why not opt for a visit to the Blue Mosque online? In addition, you can also explore the Topkapi Palace, another great Stambouliot monument.
Opening hours
Photo credit: Shutterstock – Boris Stroujko
The Blue Mosque is open daily from 8am to 6pm . The only moment you will find its closed doors is that of the five daily prayers. Learn about the hours of worship before you go!
How to access the Blue Mosque?
To reach the Blue Mosque and visit it, you will have to go to the following address: Sultan Ahmet, Atmeydanı Cd. No:7 . As its name suggests, it is located in the Sultanahmet district, in the city centre. The mosque is easily accessible by public or walking transport from the city centre.
- In tram: the most convenient means of transport to the Blue Mosque is undoubtedly the tram. line T1 you deposit directly behind it, to theSultanahmet ;
- By bus: to reach the Blue Mosque by bus, take the line BN1. Get down to theAkbıyık, a little more 10 minutes walk of the mosque;
- On foot: if you are already in the Stambouliot city centre, take a walk through the Sultanahmet square where the Blue Mosque is located (and why not by other monuments, such as the Topkapi Palace). Indeed, these wonders are found in the neuralgic centre of the Sultanahmet district, and they are discovered by walking;
- By train: Marmaray is a railway linking the Asian and European banks of Istanbul with an immersed tunnel. Get down to thestop Eminönü İskele, you will find 15 minutes walk Blue Mosque;
Where to park near the Blue Mosque?
A little advice : do not waste your time looking for a free place, under pain of wasting essence and patience! Everywhere in the city, it is possible to park for a small amount of money.
Needless to look for park meters in Istanbul : employees of the town hall, in uniforms and sometimes in civilians, are there to cash the price to pay to enjoy a place in the city center.
As a bonus, they will watch your car while it stays parked. On average, count 4 Turkish pounds (TL) per hour parking (less than €0.50), but in a tourist area like Sultanahmet, it’s a little more expensive.
Where to stay near the Blue Mosque?
The Blue Mosque is located in the centre of Istanbul. In other words, the easiest way to stay near the mosque is to book a hotel you will find on this Compare hotels or Airbnb in the Sultanahmet quarter.
The advantage is that you can enjoy the location of your accommodation to discover the whole area, which is full of historical monuments and other places of tourist interest .
You now know all good practices to visit the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. Tell us your visit to comment!
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