9 interesting facts about the Blue Mosque in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque is not the official name of the iconic landmark. It is originally called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, named after Ahmed I, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1603 to 1617. He commissioned its construction in 1609, thus the name Sultan Ahmed Mosque. His tomb is situated on the northern side of the mosque facing Sultanahmet Park.

Sultan Ahmed’s goal was to surpass the grandeur of the Hagia Sophia, leading to the mosque's impressive scale and intricate details. He wanted to showcase his piety, mirroring his Ottoman ancestors. He actively participated in and oversaw the mosque's construction, even working as a laborer on its first day. It is believed that the construction cost exceeded 180 million akçes.

At just 19 years old, Sultan Ahmed I started building the mosque, sparking criticism from Ottoman scholars and the public. Unlike previous sultans who used war spoils for mosques, Sultan Ahmed used treasury funds due to military setbacks against the Habsburg Monarchy and Persia. Construction began in 1609 on the former Byzantine palace site, symbolically facing Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome.

The mosque boasts around 20,000, turquoise-colored, handmade Iznik tiles along with blue-painted upper levels, creating a mesmerizing interior. The word ‘Iznik’ comes from a popular area during Ottoman rule. Due to the tiles being predominantly blue, the mosque was nicknamed the ‘Blue Mosque’. These tiles showcase intricate floral patterns like tulip designs, cypress trees, roses, and fruits, evoking images of a lush paradise.

The mosque stands on the remains of the Great Palace of Constantinople, situated in what is now Sultanahmet Square. Originally called the Hippodrome, it was a vast stadium for chariot races. Some monuments from this historic site still stand on the square. The mosque neighbors the Hagia Sophia, creating an iconic skyline that symbolizes the blending of Byzantine and Ottoman architectural styles.

The Blue Mosque, with its iconic six minarets, showcases classic Ottoman architecture in Istanbul. Inside, 20,000 Iznik tiles line the high ceiling, featuring intricate floral patterns. The interior is lit by 260 windows, once adorned with 17th-century stained glass, now replaced with replicas. It also boasts a large dome and eight smaller ones, creating a visually stunning place of worship.

During the Ottoman rule, most mosques featured one, two, or four minarets. The Blue Mosque’s six minarets, therefore, stirred concern, especially because the Grand Mosque in Mecca was the only one to boast the same number. It is also believed that the Sultan initially wanted golden minarets, but due to budget constraints, architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa built six regular ones, claiming hearing problems.

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque was more than just a place of worship; it was a complex with various social purposes. Alongside its religious function, it housed a madrasah, hospital, imaret (soup kitchen), primary school, market, and a tomb for the royal family. A room called 'Muvakkithane' was reserved for astronomers to make calculations for prayer times. Unfortunately, many of these buildings were dismantled in the 19th century.

In 1985, UNESCO added Istanbul's Historical Areas to its World Heritage List. Located on a peninsula surrounded by the Sea of Marmara, Bosphorus, and Golden Horn, these areas boast masterpieces like the Blue Mosque and Topkapı Palace. These landmarks are recognized for their historical significance, contributing to Istanbul's rich cultural heritage.