Although it is officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, most people just refer to it as the Blue Mosque because to the hue of its inside tiles. The massive edifice was finished in 1616, long after Hagia Sophia had fallen into Islamic control. It was just the second time in history that a pope visited a Muslim center of worship.
The mosque is built in the style called Seljuk with additions from the Ottoman Empire. Its main architect is Koca Ahmet Paşa, who was also responsible for the Fatih Sultan Mehmet Mosque in Istanbul. The structure has six aisles with an overall length of 40 meters and a width of 20 meters. The complex includes a mausoleum where Koca Ahmet Paşa is buried.
Hagia Sophia was originally constructed as a Christian church in the 6th century and later converted to a mosque in 1453 by Mehmed II, the first sultan of the Ottoman Empire. The name "Hagia Sophia" means "Holy Wisdom" in Greek. Over the years, it has been called many things including St. Sophia's Cathedral, St. Sophia's Church, and finally Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
It is considered one of the greatest works of architecture of all time and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex is composed of three parts: the basilica, the narthex (or nave), and the minaret.
History of the Blue Mosque Sultan Ahmed I commissioned architect Mehmet Aga to construct the Blue Mosque between 1609 and 1616. It was built as an imperial display of power to compliment the majestic Hagia Sophia across Sultanahmet Square. The mosque is named after the extensive use of blue tiles which cover its interior.
Sultan Ahmed I was interested in science and technology, and he ordered that a modern water system be installed with pipes made of silver or gold. An underground reservoir collects rainwater during the rainy season and stores it for use throughout the year. The water is delivered through a network of pipes to various locations within the city where it is used for irrigation or drinking. When the reservoir runs out of water, it can be refilled by other reservoirs located around Istanbul.
Ahmed I also wanted a place of worship where people could go and feel spiritual comfort so he had architects build a mosque that would fit his needs. The Blue Mosque offers many features that you won't find in any other mosque including three entrances, one on each side and one at the back, to accommodate the large number of people who want to pray inside.
The mosque has 24 marble columns inside and outside which support the heavy roof above your head. There are also 12 more marble columns along the wall behind the main prayer area.
The mosque is known as the "Blue Mosque" because of the blue tiles that encircle the interior walls. During the reign of Ahmed I, the mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1616. It, like many other mosques, has the founder's tomb, a madrasa, and a hospice. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, in addition to continuing to be utilized as a mosque, has also become a museum.
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Want to see more details about the Blue Mosque? Then check out these videos:
How does the call to prayer sound in the Blue Mosque? - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYqeU5SufR0
The Blue Mosque The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish, is a medieval mosque in Istanbul. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, which is still utilized as a mosque, has also become a major tourist site in Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque was built between 1616 and 1622 by the order of Sultan Ahmet I. This beautiful monument to Islam architecture features a large number of mirrors which reflect the sky above onto the ground below creating a dome of light that can be seen for miles around. The original paint used to color the ceiling and walls has long since faded away but an exact replica is now used instead.
The name "Sultanahmet" means "the place where the sultans live" in Turkish. Sultanahmet is a neighborhood in Istanbul famous for its many historic sites including the Blue Mosque. It's a great place to walk around or explore by car. If you're looking for something to do after visiting the Blue Mosque take advantage of the free tours offered by the mosque staff. They offer a daily tour in English at 11:00 a.m. and another one in Turkish at 2:30 p.m.
The Blue Mosque is a popular spot for photos. Be sure to bring your camera if you want to capture the beauty of this mosque on film.
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