The Blue Mosque, formally known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul’s most iconic and instantly recognisable landmarks. Built between 1609 and 1617 during the reign of Sultan Ahmed I, it is distinguished by its six slender minarets and a series of cascading domes that define the city’s historic skyline.
The interior is adorned with more than 20,000 hand-painted Iznik tiles in shades of blue and white, which bathe the vast prayer hall in a serene, otherworldly light when sunlight filters through the stained-glass windows. The sheer scale and artistry of the space leave a lasting impression on every visitor.
Still an active place of worship, the Blue Mosque welcomes millions of visitors each year and remains the spiritual and architectural heart of the Sultanahmet district. It stands directly opposite Hagia Sophia, forming what is arguably the most remarkable pair of historic monuments in the world.