The Blue Mosque is located in the very heartland of Old Istanbul and is known by its original name, the Imperial Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I. it is one of the most important historic sites in the city.
The Blue Mosque
It was dubbed the Blue Mosque due to the distinct colour of the tiles that make up its interior. This is mostly on the upper levels and is not accessible to the public.
The Great Palace of Byzantium
Built during 1603 and 1617, the Blue Mosque is said to have been constructed on the site of The Great Palace of Byzantium. It is situated on the southeast of the Hippodrome and was the brainchild of architect Sedefkar Mehmet Aga.
How to Plan Your Visit
Keep in mind that The Blue Mosque is a working mosque, so you need to be mindful of prayer times to not disturb the worshippers. If you are staying in hotel apartments in Istanbul, make sure you don’t visit on Fridays or holy days.
How to Properly Appreciate the Architecture
Stay locally at a hotel the likes of Somerset Maslak Istanbul and approach The Blue Mosque from the direction of the Hippodrome to truly appreciate the architecture. There is a separate entrance for tourists so make sure you use that.
