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Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul. Its name in Turkish is "Sultanahmed Camii", which means Mosque of Sultan Ahmed, since it was built by Sultan Ahmed I, between 1609 and 1616. It was inaugurated in 1617, under the mandate of Moustapha I.
Architecture
Although at first glance it appears to have dimensions similar to those of the Hagia Sophia , it is actually twice the size. The central dome is 23 meters in diameter and 43 meters high.
The Blue Mosque has six minarets. At the time of its construction, this sparked a lot of controversy as Mecca also has six. Later, and to appease the faithful, a seventh minaret was built on Mecca in order to differentiate it.
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Interior
As you enter the Blue Mosque, you will quickly discover the reason for its name: more than 20,000 blue tiles adorn the dome and the upper part of the mosque. All tiles come from the city of Iznik (Nicea).
The particular lighting of the mosque is due to its 200 stained glass windows and the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling.
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advice
To enter the Blue Mosque, like the rest of the city's mosques, you will need to wear the appropriate clothing and take off your shoes. Women should have their shoulders and hair covered. If you have nothing to cover up, you will be given a scarf at the entrance.
Please note, during prayer times, the mosque is closed to tourists.






Hours
Every day: 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.






Price
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Free admission.

