ISTANBUL, Turkey / Türkiye — The ornate decorations inside the prayer hall of Istanbul's Blue Mosque. While it is widely known as the Blue Mosque for the its interior tiling, the mosque's formal name is Sultan Ahmed Mosque (or Sultan Ahmet Camii in Turkish). It was built from 1609 to 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I.
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of Istanbul's most iconic landmarks. Located in the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Turkey, the mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. It stands as an exquisite example of classical Ottoman architecture, influenced by Byzantine architectural elements, signifying the city's unique blend of cultural influences. Renowned for its six towering minarets, a large central dome, and eight smaller domes, the mosque showcases a design that is both imposing and harmonious. Its distinctive feature, and the source of its popular name "Blue Mosque," comes from the over 20,000 handcrafted blue Iznik tiles that decorate its interior. These tiles, coupled with more than 200 stained glass windows, imbue the interior with a serene, blue-tinted ambiance, especially when bathed in sunlight. The mosque is surrounded by a complex consisting of a madrasa, a hospital, a han (caravanserai), a primary school, a market, an imaret (public kitchen), and the tomb of Sultan Ahmed I, making it a hub of social and religious activity in the 17th century Ottoman society. Today, the Blue Mosque continues to function as a mosque, while also attracting millions of visitors each year. Its iconic status, magnificent architecture, and historic importance have made it a significant part of Istanbul's UNESCO World Heritage Site designation. The Blue Mosque, with its blue Iznik tiles and majestic silhouette, is not just an architectural marvel, but also a symbol of Istanbul's long-standing cultural and historical legacy.
Size: 6706px × 4476px
Location: Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul, Istanbul Metropolitan Municipality, Turkey
Photo credit: © David Coleman | Have Camera Will Travel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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