Sultan Ahmed Mosque travel guide

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque due to its blue tiles, dates back to the 17th century. It was built under the rule of Sultan Ahmed I, marking a period where the Ottoman Empire was transitioning from being a feudal society to a powerful empire.

Construction began in 1609 and took seven years to complete. The mosque is a marvel of Islamic architecture with its beautifully decorated domes, six towering minarets, and an impressively large courtyard.

Interestingly, the mosque was not just a place for prayer but also a complex consisting of a school, a hospital, a market, and a mausoleum. It was designed by architect Sedefkâr Mehmet Ağa, whose master, the famous architect Mimar Sinan, greatly influenced his work.

Today, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque remains an active place of worship and a major tourist attraction, captivating visitors with its history, architectural beauty, and spiritual aura.

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, often referred to as the Blue Mosque due to its stunning interior of blue Iznik tiles, is renowned for its architectural magnificence. Unlike many Ottoman mosques that typically exhibit a single or double minaret design, the Blue Mosque stands out with its six slender minarets, a feature that was initially controversial due to the sacred association of six minarets with the Masjid al-Haram in Mecca.

Inside, the mosque is adorned with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles, which depict various tulip designs and are arranged in a variety of floral and geometric patterns that are illuminated by 200 stained glass windows. Another unique feature is the mosque's main dome, measuring 23.5 meters in diameter and 43 meters high at its central point, supported by four massive pillars known as the Elephant Feet. The mosque also houses a madrasa, a school for Islamic instruction, and a hospice. Despite being a major tourist attraction, the mosque retains its sacred purpose, with areas cordoned off for daily prayers.

Located in the dynamic Eminönü, the popular Sultan Ahmed Mosque is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful city of İstanbul or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Turkey.

İstanbul is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, İstanbul offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in İstanbul and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, Topkapi Palace Museum, and Basilica Cistern.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, İstanbul has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in İstanbul, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Turkey!

Sultan Ahmed Mosque is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in İstanbul, Turkey. If you're flying in, Istanbul Airport is approximately 22 miles (35.4 km) away from İstanbul. From there, you can easily reach Sultan Ahmed Mosque by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in İstanbul, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Sultan Ahmed Mosque, which is located 0.6 miles (1 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Sultan Ahmed Mosque, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Binbirdirek, At Meydanı Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Sultan Ahmed Mosque!

The best time to explore Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is during spring (April to June) and fall (September to November). These seasons offer a pleasant climate and relatively fewer tourists, enhancing the overall experience. However, mornings are less crowded throughout the year, providing an opportunity for quiet contemplation. The mosque is open every day, but avoid visiting during prayer times, particularly on Fridays, Islam's holy day. Also, during the Holy Month of Ramadan, the mosque sees fewer tourists and there's a unique atmosphere of reverence and festivity. A visit in the evening during this time can also allow you to witness the breaking of the fast (Iftar) and the Tarawih prayers, providing a deeper insight into the Islamic culture. Regardless of the time you choose, remember to dress modestly, as it is a place of worship.

With a rental car, discovering the popular Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Turkey's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 3 reputable rental car companies near Istanbul Airport and the city of İstanbul, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Turkey cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in İstanbul and beyond.

Conveniently explore Sultan Ahmed Mosque and plenty more captivating attractions in İstanbul by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the city. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Sultan Ahmed Mosque and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that İstanbul has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Sultan Ahmed Mosque below.

Aside from Sultan Ahmed Mosque, İstanbul is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the city offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around İstanbul, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Egyptian Bazaar, Grand Bazaar, and Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque.

Egyptian Bazaar is a bucket-list establishment and top attraction in İstanbul, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in 160,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the city. The exact address of Egyptian Bazaar is Rüstem Paşa, 34116 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

Another appreciated attraction in İstanbul is Grand Bazaar. Like Egyptian Bazaar, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the city. With an impressive average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars among 150,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this establishment is Beyazıt, 34126 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of İstanbul. This mosque and top attraction in İstanbul has been rated an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars by 120,000 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Sultan Ahmet, Ayasofya Meydanı No:1, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the city of İstanbul below.