History of the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque, also popularly known as the Sultanahmet Mosque, is a stunning reminder of the prosperous Ottoman era. It had been commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, who reigned from 1603 to 1617 when the Ottoman reign was at its peak.

• 1609: Sultan Ahmed I sought to commission a mosque, whose architectural splendor would rival the nearby Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque was constructed on the site of the Byzantine Great Palace, which had been destroyed by fire.
  
• 1610 to 1612: Several skilled artisans and builders were employed to lay the foundation of Sultan Ahmed I's dream mosque. With the foundation secured, the workers began working on the walls and interior spaces.
  
• 1613 to 1616: The famed blue tiles, produced in the city of Iznik, were meticulously installed inside the Blue Mosque. As construction progressed, additional details like marble columns, calligraphy inscriptions, and stained glass windows were incorporated, further enriching the mosque's interior.
  
• 1616: The main structure of the Blue Mosque and some of its interiors were mapped out by this year. While the Blue Mosque is known for its 6 minarets, it is believed that it was built out of confusion. Such a display had only been reserved for the Prophet’s mosque in Mecca, hence Sultan Ahmed I received a lot of backlash for thinking too highly of himself. The Sultan had ultimately commissioned a 7th minaret for the Prophet’s Mosque to redeem his reputation.
  
• 1617: Around this time, workers added more tiles and architectural elements to the inside of the Blue Mosque. The mosque was opened to the public.

​More about Blue Mosque's construction

Architecture of the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque showcases a fusion of two architectural styles, blending traditional Ottoman architecture with elements borrowed from the Byzantine era. One of the mosque's distinctive features is its 6 minarets, which make it stand out from other mosques in Istanbul. These minarets serve the practical purpose of amplifying the call to prayer and contribute significantly to the mosque's imposing silhouette. The courtyard also has arching domes and semi-domes that enhance the splendor of the mosque.

The interior of the Blue Mosque is adorned with over 20,000 Iznik tiles, which give the mosque its popular name. These blue tiles, along with intricate calligraphy and geometric patterns, create a stunning visual display, adding to the mosque's grandeur and elegance. The mihrab (prayer niche) and minbar (pulpit) are crafted from exquisite marble, with elegant calligraphy inscriptions adorning its walls.

A spacious courtyard precedes the prayer hall, providing a serene space for ablutions and gatherings. Hundreds of windows are added to the domes and prayer halls, allowing for natural light to flood the interior, creating a beautiful interplay of light and shadow.

​Plan your visit to the Blue Mosque