Information

Also Known As: Sultan Ahmet Mosque

Visiting Hours:
Summer: Daily from 8:30 AM to 7:00 PM
Winter: Daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM

Closed: During the 5 prayer hours in the day, the mosque is closed for about 90 minutes to non-worshippers and visitors; it is also closed till noon on Friday (which is a sacred day for Muslims) for visitors.

Address: Binbirdirek, At Meydani Cd No:10, 34122 Fatih, Istanbul, Turkey.

Recommended Duration: 1 hours

Founded On: 1617
Unesco Year: 1985

🎧 👉 Listen to a sample of the Blue Mosque Audio Guide and buy it.

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) in Istanbul is a masterpiece of Ottoman architecture, built between 1609 and 1616 under Sultan Ahmed I. Famous for its stunning blue İznik tiles, six towering minarets, and grand domes, the mosque is a key landmark in Istanbul’s historic district. Visitors can admire its intricate calligraphy, serene atmosphere, and blend of Islamic and Ottoman artistry, making it one of the most iconic cultural and religious sites in Turkey.
On this page, you'll find key information to help plan your visit to this historic palace.

Admission & Ticket Options

1) Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours

2) Combo Tickets

3) City Passes

For details on passes that grant access to this attraction, please refer to the passes page.

>> View all available passes here.

Exhibitions & Collections

The Central Dome: Spanning 23.5 meters in diameter and rising 43 meters high, the mosque’s dome is supported by four massive pillars known as the "Elephant Feet."
Six Minarets: The mosque is one of the few in the world with six minarets, a feature that was highly distinctive at the time of its construction.
İznik Tiles: Over 20,000 hand-painted blue tiles, crafted in the city of İznik, adorn the mosque’s interior with intricate floral and geometric patterns.
Calligraphy & Stained Glass Windows: Quranic verses inscribed by Seyyid Kasım Gubari, one of the most renowned calligraphers of the time, complement the 260 stained glass windows that illuminate the mosque’s interior.
The Courtyard: The mosque features the largest courtyard of any Ottoman mosque, surrounded by an arcade with domed porticos.

How to Get There

By Tram: Take the T1 tram line to Sultanahmet Station, which is a short walk from the mosque. Nearest stop: Cemberlitas
By Metro: Visitors from the Asian side can take the Marmaray Line to Sirkeci Station, then transfer to the T1 tram or walk.
By Bus: Several bus routes (37Y, 77A, BN1) serve Eminönü and Beyazıt, both within walking distance. Nearest stop: Catladikapi- Yenikapi Yonu
By train: Take the B1 train line. Nearest stop: Sikreci

Visitor Guidelines & Practical Information

Dress Code:
- Men should wear long pants and avoid sleeveless shirts.
- Women must cover their hair, shoulders, and knees. Scarves and coverings are available at the entrance.
Prayer Times: As an active place of worship, the mosque closes to tourists during the five daily prayers, which last approximately 30 to 45 minutes each: Fajr (Dawn): Approximately 6:20 am / Sunrise: Approximately 6:37 am / Zuhr (Noon): Approximately 1:29 pm / Asr (Mid-afternoon): Approximately 4:15 pm / Maghrib (Sunset): Approximately 6:35 pm / Isha (Night): Approximately 8:06 pm
Photography: Photography is allowed, but visitors should be respectful and avoid taking pictures of worshippers. Flash photography is prohibited.
Accessibility: The mosque is wheelchair accessible, with ramps available at the entrance.
Best Visiting Times: Early mornings (except Fridays) or late afternoons are recommended to avoid crowds.
There are 3 Blue Mosque entrances: the central entrance, the south side entrance, and the east side entrance.

History of Blue Mosque

Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I, the Blue Mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1616 by architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, a student of Mimar Sinan. It was designed to rival the grandeur of Hagia Sophia, blending traditional Islamic elements with Byzantine influences.

One of the mosque’s most distinctive features is its six minarets, a design choice that was considered controversial at the time, as only the Grand Mosque in Mecca had six minarets. To resolve this, an additional minaret was later added to the mosque in Mecca.

The Blue Mosque remains an important center for Islamic worship and a symbol of Ottoman architectural excellence. Despite undergoing several restorations, it continues to function as an active mosque while welcoming visitors from around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions About Blue Mosque

Is Blue Mosque free to enter?

Yes, entry to the Blue Mosque is free, as it is an active place of worship. However, donations are welcomed to support the mosque’s maintenance. Visitors should be aware that tourist access is restricted during prayer times, and appropriate dress is required for entry.

What is so special about the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is famous for its six minarets, grand domes, and over 20,000 blue İznik tiles that decorate its interior. Its Ottoman and Byzantine-inspired architecture, stunning calligraphy, stained glass windows, and largest courtyard of any Ottoman mosque make it one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks.

Are Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque the same?

No, Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque are separate landmarks located opposite each other in Sultanahmet Square. Hagia Sophia was originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in 537 CE, later converted into a mosque, then a museum, and reconverted into a mosque in 2020. The Blue Mosque, built in 1616, was designed as an Ottoman imperial mosque and remains an active place of worship.

Can you wear jeans in the Blue Mosque?

Yes, jeans are allowed in the Blue Mosque, but they should be modest and not ripped or overly tight. Visitors should adhere to the mosque dress code, which requires shoulders and knees to be covered. Women must also cover their hair with a scarf, which is available at the entrance if needed.

Is Blue Mosque worth a visit?

Yes, the Blue Mosque is one of Istanbul’s must-visit landmarks, known for its architectural beauty, historical significance, and spiritual atmosphere. Located in the heart of Istanbul’s UNESCO-listed Historic Areas, it offers visitors a glimpse into Ottoman history, Islamic art, and breathtaking interior design. The mosque’s proximity to Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and Basilica Cistern makes it an essential stop on any Istanbul itinerary.