Istanbul mosaics and Blue Mosque 1-day small group tour
- Visit the most important sites in Istanbul. Book your tour online and discover the marvelous Hagia Sophia, the impressive Blue Mosque and much more!
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Purchase Notice
Duration: Lasts up to 0 day
Reminders
Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: Please meet your guide at Turkish Islamic Art Museum.(Binbirdirek, Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi, At Meydanı Cd No:12, 34122 Fatih/İstanbul, Türkiye)
Know in advance:The Topkapi Palace is closed on Tuesdays and will be replaced with Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
The Grand Bazaar is closed on Sundays, so additional time will be spent at the other locations around the Grand Bazaar
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present the e-voucher on-site
Validity Period
- The voucher must be used on the selected date and within operating hours; Invalid after expiration
FAQ
1. What are the unique architectural features of the Blue Mosque?
The Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is renowned for its distinctive six minarets, a feature unique among imperial Ottoman mosques. Its interior is lavishly decorated with over 20,000 handmade İznik ceramic tiles, predominantly in blue, which give the mosque its popular name. The mosque also features a magnificent cascade of domes and numerous windows that create a bright and spacious atmosphere within.
2. Are non-Muslim visitors permitted to enter the Blue Mosque?
Yes, non-Muslim visitors are welcome to enter the Blue Mosque outside of prayer times. As it is an active place of worship, visitors are kindly requested to respect the sacred environment, adhere to the specified dress code, and use designated entrances for tourists. This ensures that worshippers are not disturbed while all visitors can appreciate its architectural beauty and historical significance.
3. What are the main differences between Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque?
Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque have distinct histories and architectural origins. Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Byzantine cathedral, later converted into a mosque, then a museum, and now serves as a mosque again, showcasing a blend of Christian and Islamic influences. The Blue Mosque, however, was constructed solely as an Ottoman imperial mosque, embodying classical Islamic architectural principles. Hagia Sophia is considerably older, while the Blue Mosque is famous for its intricate blue tiles and six slender minarets.
4. Who commissioned the construction of the Blue Mosque?
The construction of the Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I of the Ottoman Empire. Work began in 1609 and was completed in 1616, shortly before the Sultan's death. His ambition was to create a grand mosque that would rival, if not surpass, the splendor and historical importance of the nearby Hagia Sophia.
5. What is the recommended dress code for visiting the Blue Mosque?
Visitors to the Blue Mosque are required to dress modestly. Women must cover their heads, shoulders, and knees, and scarves are typically available at the entrance for those who need them. Men should wear trousers or long skirts that cover their knees, and their shoulders must also be covered. All visitors are asked to remove their shoes before entering the carpeted prayer areas, respecting the sacred space.
6. What are the visitor access rules for Hagia Sophia?
When visiting Hagia Sophia, all visitors are expected to observe a modest dress code. This involves covering shoulders and knees for both men and women. Additionally, women must cover their heads, and loaner scarves are usually provided. Shoes must be removed upon entering the main prayer hall. Access is generally permitted outside of designated prayer times, and specific entry points are available for tourists.
7. What is the historical background of Hagia Sophia's transformation?
Hagia Sophia, meaning 'Holy Wisdom,' was initially constructed as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral in the 6th century under Emperor Justinian I. Following the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into an imperial mosque. In 1935, under the secular Turkish Republic, it was designated as a museum. Its most recent transformation occurred in 2020, when it was re-designated as an active mosque, marking significant shifts throughout its long history.
8. How do the architectural styles of Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque differ?
Hagia Sophia showcases a magnificent Byzantine architectural style, characterized by its innovative massive central dome, supporting semi-domes, and a blend of basilica and central plan elements. Its interior features rich marble and intricate mosaics from its Christian era. In contrast, the Blue Mosque represents classical Ottoman architecture, distinguished by its symmetrical design, cascading domes, slender pencil-shaped minarets, and extensive use of vibrant İznik tiles, emphasizing grandeur and spaciousness within.
