The Blue Mosque

The Sultan Ahmet Camii (“Blue mosque”) of Istanbul, Turkey is located directly opposite to the Hagia Sophia in Sultanahmet. It received its inofficial name because of the blue tiles on the interior walls. It was built from 1609 on and stil serves as a mosque. If you compare it directly to the more famous Hagia Sophia you will find that it is much more beautiful – from the outside (with plenty of minarets) and inside. It looks like a mystic castle.

As always in a mosque you’ll first find your way into the inner courtyard with plenty of arcs and columns. Most astonishing are the domes of the mosque which look like they are stacked. After having left your shoes (and adding extra cloth if not prepared wisely) you can enter the main hall with a wonderful low-hanging round candle “heaven”. It’s a very enchanting atmosphere.

Sultan Ahmet Camii / Blue Mosque
Saltanahmet
Istanbul
Turkey