About
Sultanahmet Mosque: The Magnificence of the Blue Mosque
📍 Location: Istanbul, Turkey
🏛 Era: Ottoman Empire (17th century)
👑 Commissioned by: Sultan Ahmed I
🎨 Architectural Style: A blend of Ottoman and Byzantine architecture
🕌 Architect: Sedefkar Mehmed Agha
A Masterpiece of Ottoman Architecture
Sultanahmet Mosque, commonly known as the Blue Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks. Located in the heart of the city’s historic peninsula, directly opposite Hagia Sophia, this magnificent structure was built in the early 17th century by order of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque was designed by Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, a student of the great Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.
The mosque is named the "Blue Mosque" due to the over 20,000 handmade Iznik tiles that adorn its interior. The reflections of light on the blue ceramic tiles create a tranquil and mesmerizing atmosphere inside.
Architectural Features
🏛 A Fusion of Ottoman and Byzantine Elements
🔹 The central dome is supported by four semi-domes, creating perfect symmetry.
🔹 It is unique among Ottoman mosques with its six minarets.
🔹 The mosque has one of the largest courtyards of all Ottoman religious structures in Istanbul.
🎨 Exquisite Tile Work and Ornamentation
