A grand 17th-century Ottoman mosque named for the thousands of blue Iznik tiles decorating its soaring domed interior.
Istanbul's Most Famous Mosque
Built between 1609 and 1616 under Sultan Ahmed I.
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About Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, formally known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, was built between 1609 and 1616 under Sultan Ahmed I, positioned deliberately facing Hagia Sophia to rival the grandeur of the Byzantine monument across the square. The mosque earns its popular name from the more than 20,000 handmade blue Iznik tiles lining its interior walls and domes, creating a luminous, blue-tinted glow throughout the vast prayer hall.
Unusually for an Ottoman mosque of its era, the Blue Mosque features six minarets, a number that reportedly caused controversy at the time since it matched the number at the Great Mosque in Mecca, requiring an additional minaret to be added there to preserve its unique status. As an active place of worship, the mosque closes to visitors during the five daily prayer times, so planning a visit around the prayer schedule is essential.
Why Visit Blue Mosque?
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Good to Know
The Blue Mosque suits families, couples, groups and photographers, for a visit of 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. As an active mosque, visitors should dress modestly, with headscarves provided for women if needed, and the mosque closes to tourists during the five daily prayer times.
Entry is free, making it an easy and worthwhile addition to a visit to the neighbouring Hagia Sophia across Sultanahmet Square.
How to Reach Blue Mosque
- 01
Pakistan to Istanbul
Fly from Islamabad, Lahore or Karachi direct or via a short connection to Istanbul. Check current routes and book early.
- 02
Airport to City Centre
Take the metro and tram, or a taxi, from Istanbul Airport into the Sultanahmet district, about 45 to 60 minutes.
- 03
City Centre to the Mosque
Take the tram to Sultanahmet station, a short walk to the entrance.
- 04
Explore
Tour the mosque's interior outside prayer times, then cross to Hagia Sophia.
Things to Do in Blue Mosque
Best Time to Visit Blue Mosque
Excellent
Spring
April to May
Mild weather, comfortable for exploring the Sultanahmet district.
Recommended season
Excellent
Autumn
September to October
Cooler and quieter, still pleasant for sightseeing.
Recommended season
Good
Summer
June to August
Warm and busy, with longer queues outside prayer times.
Good time to visit
Good
Winter
November to March
Cool, with the smallest crowds of the year.
Good time to visit
Travel smart
Travel Tips for Blue Mosque
A few useful things to know before you go there.
Check Prayer Times Before Visiting
The mosque closes to tourists during the five daily prayers.
Dress Modestly
Shoulders and knees should be covered; headscarves are provided for women if needed.
Remove Shoes Before Entering
Standard practice for all visitors, as at any mosque.
Combine with Hagia Sophia
Both landmarks face each other across the same square.
Visit Early in the Day
Helps avoid both crowds and prayer-time closures.
Entry is Free
No ticket is required to visit the mosque.
Carry Small Cash
Useful for nearby cafes and souvenir stalls.
Nearby Attractions
Location
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Blue Mosque
Turkey
Frequently Asked Questions
It is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul, built between 1609 and 1616, known for its blue Iznik tile interior and six minarets.
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