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What to do / Monuments and tourist attractions /

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.

Location

Sultanahmet Square .

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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.

Transport

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Tram : Sultanahmet, line T1 .

Price

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Free admission.

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OUR TOURIST OFFICES

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ISTANBUL - (Regional Direction) : Alay Köşkü, Gülhane Parkı içi, Eminönü - Istanbul
Phone: 00 90 (212) 5286821 - 22

Fax: 0090 (212) 5286820.

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At the entrance of the Hilton hotel, Taksim / Elmadag
Phone: (212) 233 05 92,

Fax: (212) 245 68 76

Taksim Meydani - Maksem

Phone: (212) 245 68 76

Karaköy Yolcu Salonu Tourist Office, Karaköy:

Phone: (212) 249 57 76

Sultanahmet Meydani Tourist Office

Phone: (212) 518 87 54,

Fax: (212) 518 18 02

Tourist Office: Sirkeci Gan-Sirkeci

Phone: (212) 511 58 11

Istanbul Atatürk Airport Tourist Office, Yesilköy

Phone: (212) 573 41 36,

Fax: (212) 663 07 93

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