Epic Travel → Europe → Turkey → Blue Mosque

♦ Intrepid Top Pick!

Location: Sultanahmet District, Istanbul

Time Required: 1 hour

Red Tape/Notes: The mosque is closed for around 90 minutes each prayer period, so check the prayer/visit times during your visit and plan accordingly (the easiest/largest window is probably in the morning, between the dawn and midday prayers) – you can find visiting hours here. There is no fee to visit, but appropriate attire is required – long pants or skirts for both men and women, and a head covering for women, which are available for free at the mosque. You’ll also be required to remove your shoes; once inside, no flash photography is allowed. Visit the Blue Mosque website for more information on history, architecture, and how to visit.

What’s Nearby?: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Grand Bazaar, Topkapi Palace, Great Palace Mosaic Museum, Gülhane Park

Technically called the Sultan Ahmed (or Ahmet) Mosque, its nickname the “Blue Mosque” comes from the blue tiles adorning the interior walls. Unlike its neighbor the Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque is still an active mosque, as it has been since its construction was completed in 1616 CE, so you’ll have to plan your visit around the daily prayers, during which the mosque is closed to non-worshippers – it’s probably easiest to come in the morning, between the dawn and midday prayers, since there’s both an afternoon and a sunset prayer, which means you’ll have a smaller window during which to visit. The interior of the mosque is lined with hand-made İznik tiles, and there are over 200 stained glass windows, which combine to create a rather breathtaking effect inside. The general design of the mosque is also lovely, combining Byzantine elements with traditional mosque architecture and featuring 5 main domes and 6 minarets – it is considered to be the last great mosque of the Classical Period.

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