The Blue Mosque (
Called Sultanahmet Camili in Turkish ) is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The
mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls
of interior design. Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the
rule of Ahmed I. just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the
founder, a madrasa and a hospice. Besides still used as a mosque, the Sultan
Ahmad Mosque has also become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul.
The mosque was designed
by architect Mehmet Aga, whose unfortunate predecessor was found wanting and
executed. Sultan Ahmet was so anxious for his magnificent creation to be
completed that he ofthen assisted in the work. Sadly, he died just a year after
the completion of his masterpiece, at the age of 27. He is buried outside the
mosque with his wife and three sons.
The original mosque included a madrasa, a hospital, a han, a primary school, a market, an imaret and the tomb of the founder. Most of these buildings were torn down in the 19th century.
Besides being tourist
attraction, it’s also a active mosque, so it’s closed to non worshippers for a
half hour or so during the five daily prayers.
Warning
- Avoid visiting a mosque at pray time (Especially midday Praying on Friday) or within a half hour after the ezan is chanted from the Mosque minarets.
- Before step in to mosque, take off your shoes and put in plastic bags provided at the entrance.
- For women, wear a head covering when entering to mosque. It is available at the Blue Mosque entrance for free.
- Remain quiet in the mosque and don’t use flash photography. Besides that, avoid to take picture of those who are praying.
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