Sultan Ahmed Mosque (AKA Blue Mosque)
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque in Istanbul may be better known as the Blue Mosque due to the 20,000 blue tiles on the walls of its interior. The mosque was completed in 1616 under Sultan Ahmet Ier’s rule in order to “calm God” after a war with Persia. It has one main dome, six minarets, and eight secondary domes. It is considered to be the last great mosque of the classical period.
Here are three photos from my visit to the Blue Mosque. What do you think? Do you have a favorite below?
Blue Mosque Photo #1. This beautiful door was in the “courtyard” area across from the mosque entrance for those of Islamic faith. (Other visitors are routed around back to a special entrance)
Blue Mosque Photo #2. A view of the main area of the mosque reserved for those of Islamic faith. Shoes must be removed before entering a mosque which is why you see this man holding his in a plastic bag. While it’s not as clear or detailed as I would have liked, you can see some of the blue tiles around the main pillar and elsewhere on the walls in this shot.
Blue Mosque Photo #3. Ritual foot washing is associated with various demoninations of Christian, Jewish, and Islamic faith. Here is a special fountain inside the Blue Mosque for that purpose.
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I like the second one as I love tiles and this is one of my favorite places in the world. Although I don’t know how you managed to get a photo with only one lone man walking across the carpet!
Believe it or not, the “faithful” side of the line was not too busy the day we were there. The visitor’s section and women’s prayer area were pretty busy…
Wow that first shot is just amazing!!!
The door? I’m SUCH a sucker for doors, especially in old world environments like this and most of Europe. We just really miss out on that in the US, especially west of the Mississippi! 🙂
I know right? That’s what I look forward to when I eventually travel to Europe lol!
Wow! What an amazing place! Love them all as they show different perspectives and details 🙂