Detailed review by Ani
Sultan Ahmet Camii is also called Blue (Mavi) because of its 260 blue glasses, mosaic and carpets.
It is the first mosque in the Turkish empire with 6 minarets. Sultan Ahmet ordered to his architectures to build bigger and more beautiful temple than the Saint Sofia, which is front of it. It had to symbolize that the Islam is bigger and stronger religion than the Christianity.
When I visited the mosque there wasnt entrance fee, I believe it is still so.
After you enter the yard you will go to the entrance where you have to prepare to take off your shoes.
On my second visit I took second pair of socks which I used inside the mosque.
The mosque inside is really grand and its blue is just amazing as our churches dont use that color much. Its made from so many parts that its hard to believe how all this could be made by hands. Very impressive as well are the candles.
Taking pictures inside is available, but the darkness is a challenge for the most none-professional cameras.
Its nice to have a guide who tells the many legends regarding the mosque and also to explain how exactly the Muslims prays and whats the meaning of every ritual. This would take you deeper in the atmosphere of the temple. At least I felt different at my second visit when we had a tour guide.
In the touristic season the mosque can be really crowded.
Its in the center of the town and going to there is very easy.
You can combine Blue mosque, Saint Sofia and Sultan palace in a day tour as all is in an easy walking distance and all of them MUST BE SEEN if you visit Istanbul.
Blue Mosque10
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Accessibility
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"Must See"-Factor
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Budget Friendliness
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Architecture
