The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, A Window to the Muslim Religion

The Blue Mosque seemed to rise from the brick wall surrounding it and its tower-like minarets.  A trip to Istanbul would not be complete without a visit to this amazing Islamic mosque.  The Blue Mosque is named for its colorful blue 20,000 Iznik tiles for which it was built and for which the Turks are famous.  It was erected in the 17^th century by Ahmet I and is truly a marvel with its various domes and architectural design.

The minarets of the Blue Mosque are equipped with speakers that resound with the Muslim prayers that take place five times per day.  These tall slender towers created controversy when six were erected, rivaling the number of minarets at the mosque in Mecca.  It is said that the Sultan sent the architect to Mecca to add a seventh minaret, to preserve the superiority of the mosque in Saudi Arabia.

Muslims first enter the outer courtyard where a line of water faucets are used for the ritual of cleansing of the body prior to worship.  This sacrament is called ablution and is required by Islamic law.  The courtyard is very busy during the Ramadan season which takes place around late July, early August and on Fridays as the Quran compels Muslims to congregate together in worship.

The aged fountain in the middle of the inner courtyard was once used for the act of ablution and is no longer functional.

I was surprised that the active mosque was open to visitors.  There were rules that must be followed such as entering through the north entrance.  Shoes were temporarily exchanged for cloth slippers and women we required to cover their heads, shoulders and knees before entering.  Scarves were available at the entrance for a small fee which was convenient for those who were not prepared.

The elaborately designed Blue Mosque included a lighting system that hung from the ceiling. We learned from our guide that the mosque services were segregated.  Women would be able to worship either on the upper galleries or behind the barriers at the back of the mosque on both sides of the main entrance.

The dome of the mosque is 141 feet in height and 110 feet in diameter. The four massive columns that support the dome measure 70 feet in diameter and 142 feet high.

Arabic writing inside of the Blue Mosque were scriptural reference from the Quran. Because it is forbidden to display photos of people, the Muslims created Arabic calligraphy writings with passages from the hadith, the teachings of the prophet Mohammed.

The carpet displayed the tulips which are considered the flower of Turkey.   The position of the flowers were strategically placed so that the worshipper would know where to place his knees and hands when bowing towards Mecca.

Another view of the magnificent domes and architecture of the Blue Mosque include the large chandeliers.  These light fixtures were originally designed for oil lamps which were raised and lowered to light the lamps and extinguish the flames.  Today they have been replaced with electrical lights.

The Blue Mosque is an operational, functioning mosque and viewing hours are restricted. During the summer, the mosque sponsors nightly ‘son et lumiere’ performances.

The building is an exceptional piece of artwork that transcends all imagination and awe.  It is palatial opulence at its finest and an incredible example of Byzantine architecture.

Have you visited the Blue Mosque?  What did you find most fascinating?  I would love to hear from you if you would kindly leave a message in the comments section below.  Many thanks for checking out my post about the Blue Mosque!  Wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do: 

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque)
Sultan Ahmet Mahallesi
Atmeydani Cd. No.7
34144 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone:  +90 212 458 44 66

• Admission Fee:  There is no admission fee to visit the Blue Mosque.
• Hours:  The carpet center is open every day from 9AM to 5PM
• Amenities:  To comply with the customs of the Blue Mosque, the mosque provides head coverings and accommodates the removal of shoes.
• Length of Visit:  1 – 2 hours
• Tips for Your Visit:  The Muslims pray five times a day and on Friday, the afternoon prayer lasts 90 minutes.  Therefore, it is best to visit mid-morning.  Before stepping into the mosque you must remove your shoes and put them in plastic bags provided at the entrance at no charge.   Shorts are not permitted and one’s shoulders must be covered. Women must wear a head covering to cover your head and shoulders prior to entering the mosque. You are not required to cover your face, only your hair.  If you do not have a hair covering, one will be provided at the entrance at no charge.  Photographs are permitted but with no flash.  Respect those in worship and do not stare nor take photos of them.

Where to Stay:

Fer Hotel
Mollafenari Mahallesi
Turbedar Sk. No. 12
34120 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 522 50 80

Where to Eat: 

Cozy Pub & Restaurant
Alemdar Mh., Divan Yolu Cd. No. 60
34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone:  +90 212 520 09 90

We loved sitting in the alleyway at red and white checked clothed tables.  We ordered Efes beer and appetizers which included hummus, tzatziki sauce, pita bread and spring rolls.   Ask your server to let you go up the small elevator for an amazing view of the Blue Mosque!

What to Eat: 

• Baklava:  made with puffed pastry, this dessert has chopped nuts (my favorite is pistachio), and is covered in honey.
• Gozleme is a type of bread that is shaped in a square and stuffed with various fillings such as meat, cheese, potatoes or vegetables and then cooked over a griddle.  The cheese and spinach reminds me of spanikopita.
• Iskender Kebab:  thinly sliced lamb is smothered in tomato sauce and served with traditional bread, then topped with yogurt and butter.
• Mezze is a sample of several small bites that may include yogurt with herbs, hummus, olives, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), meatballs, eggplant, white cheese and warm bread.
• Simit is a fun street food bread that is similar to a pretzel.
• Turkish Apple Tea is absolutely amazing and was one of my favorite drinks while visiting Turkey.
• Turkish Delight:  a delicious dessert is made up of dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, which is pink in color.
• Turkish Ice Cream, also known as Dondurma, is a little thicker in consistency, but it will not melt.  A must try.
• Turkish Pizza is outstanding and tastes so fresh.  Made from Turkish Pide (a type of pastry), it is similar to a flatbread with a variety of toppings.
• Turkish Ravioli:  dumplings stuffed with beef or lamb served with yogurt.

What to Read: 

• Istanbul: Memories of a City, by Orhan Pamuk
• The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shahak
• My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk
• Istanbul Passage, by Joseph Kanon

Photo Guide for Istanbul: 

• Galata Tower for views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus River
• The Blue Mosque for its amazing blue tiles
• The Rainbow Stairs at Sali Pazari Yokusu
• The Rooftop Terrace of Seven Hills Hotel for views of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace AND the Hagia Sophia
• Rooftop Terrace of Cozy’s Restaurant for views of the Blue Mosque
• Inside the Hagia Sophia in the afternoon when the light shines in from the windows
• The Grand Bazaar
• Balat for colorful structures in the former Jewish neighborhood

For more information about the beautiful, exotic country of Turkey, check out the following links!

Topkapki Palace
Hagia Sophia
Spice Bazaar and Hippodrome
Ephesus, Turkey: A Journey Back in Time
A Turkish Carpet Demonstration
Kusadasi and its Symbol of Peace
The Theater of Miletus
The Baths of Miletus

A panoramic view of the interior of the Blue Mosque

 

One of the Entrances into the Blue Mosque

Nicean Tiles

Up Close Detail of the Decorated Blue Mosque