Sultan Ahmed Mosque

Sultan Ahmed Mosque

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, located in Istanbul, the largest city in Turkey. It is the national mosque of Turkey, and its overall design combines the essence of Ottoman architecture and Byzantine church styles developed over two centuries, referencing the Byzantine features of the nearby Hagia Sophia, while also incorporating traditional Islamic architectural elements. It is regarded as the last great mosque of the classical Ottoman architectural period and a magnificent masterpiece of architecture and art from the Ottoman Empire era.

The interior walls of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque are entirely decorated with blue and white ceramic tiles. Light filtering through the stained glass reflects off the blue tiles, casting a fantastical and dreamy glow—especially enchanting on summer evenings when the mosque radiates a dazzling brilliance and echoes with melodious chants, hence earning the name Blue Mosque. Moreover, the exterior of the mosque is also a spectacular sight: it is the largest domed structure in Istanbul, with over thirty domes rising in tiers toward the central dome, which has a diameter of 41 meters, creating a grand and elegant silhouette. Additionally, the Blue Mosque is the only mosque in the world with six minarets (towers), which stand tall and symmetrically in three rows at the four corners and midpoints of the rectangular courtyard. At night, illuminated by lights, they appear incredibly enchanting and breathtakingly beautiful.

Sultan Ahmed Mosque

Must-visit reason: One of Turkey’s most important architectural landmarks

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Turkey[turkey]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Istanbul Province [Istanbul Province]

City where the attraction is located: Istanbul [Istanbul]