Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Tour Type | Small Group |
| Transportation method | Hotel transfer, Get there on your own |
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
| Tour types | Guided tour |
| Additional service & facility | Transfer included |
| Sightseeing type | City walking tour, Historic site tour |
| Transport | Charter car, Walking |
Product Info
Purchase Notice
Duration: Lasts up to 4 hours
Reminders
Please refer to your voucher for final information regarding meeting points, pick-up locations, and pick-up time
Meeting point description: You will meet your guide at Sultanahmet square or be picked up from the European side and centrally located Istanbul hotels
On Fridays the Blue Mosque will be closed until 2.30pm for prayer, entry will not be permitted
On Tuesdays Topkapi Palace is closed.
Complimentary pick up and drop off from European side and centrally located Istanbul hotels
FAQ
1. What makes the Blue Mosque a significant historical site to visit?
The Blue Mosque, officially known as Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a marvel of Ottoman architecture from the early 17th century. Its significance lies in its grand design, featuring six towering minarets and a magnificent cascade of domes. Inside, it's adorned with over 20,000 handmade Iznik ceramic tiles, predominantly blue, which give the mosque its popular name. It remains an active place of worship and a powerful symbol of Istanbul's imperial past.
2. Can non-Muslim visitors enter the Blue Mosque, and what are the etiquette guidelines?
Yes, non-Muslim visitors are welcome to enter the Blue Mosque outside of prayer times. To ensure respect for this active place of worship, visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. Women are also required to cover their hair. Everyone must remove their shoes before entering the carpeted prayer areas. Visitors should maintain a quiet demeanor, avoid loud conversations, and refrain from flash photography.
3. What are the key differences between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia?
The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia represent distinct eras and architectural styles. Hagia Sophia, originally a Byzantine basilica from the 6th century, was later converted into a mosque, then a museum, and now functions as a mosque again. It showcases a blend of Christian and Islamic art. The Blue Mosque, built in the early 17th century during the Ottoman Empire, was always intended as a mosque, characterized by classical Ottoman architecture with six minarets and exquisite blue Iznik tiles.
4. Who commissioned the construction of the Blue Mosque?
The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, ruler of the Ottoman Empire, in the early 17th century (1609-1616). He sought to build an imperial mosque that would rival the grandeur of Hagia Sophia. The design and construction were overseen by his royal architect, Sedefkar Mehmed Agha, a pupil of the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.
5. Which significant Ottoman sultan is associated with the construction of grand architectural marvels like the Blue Mosque?
Sultan Ahmed I is directly associated with commissioning the Blue Mosque, one of Istanbul's most celebrated architectural achievements, in the early 17th century. His reign saw the creation of this stunning edifice, which aimed to symbolize the enduring power and piety of the Ottoman Empire. Other sultans like Suleiman the Magnificent also contributed to grand architectural projects through figures like Mimar Sinan.
6. Which Ottoman palace is considered a must-visit attraction for understanding the empire's grandeur?
Topkapi Palace is widely considered a must-visit attraction for gaining insight into the grandeur and functioning of the Ottoman Empire. For over 400 years, it served as the principal residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans. Visitors can explore its elaborate courtyards, treasury, imperial kitchens, and the famed Harem, which together offer a profound glimpse into royal life and governance.
7. What unique architectural features can be observed inside the Blue Mosque?
Inside the Blue Mosque, visitors can admire its most distinctive feature: over 20,000 handmade Iznik ceramic tiles, predominantly blue with intricate floral and geometric patterns, that adorn the walls and ceiling. The mosque also boasts more than 200 stained glass windows, which allow natural light to illuminate the vast interior. Grand Arabic calligraphy, a majestic central dome, and an elaborate prayer niche (mihrab) are also prominent features.
8. What is the best time to visit the Blue Mosque to avoid large crowds?
To avoid the largest crowds at the Blue Mosque, it is generally best to visit early in the morning shortly after it opens to visitors, or later in the afternoon before closing. It is crucial to check the daily prayer times, as the mosque closes to visitors for approximately 90 minutes during each of the five daily prayers. Fridays, particularly around midday, are usually the busiest due to congregational prayers.
