BLUE MOSQUE

Information

Admission & Ticket Options

1) Entrance Ticket & Guided Tours

• Blue Mosque Tour with Official Guide
• Istanbul: Blue Mosque Guided Tour

2) Combo Tickets

• Blue Mosque Tour & Basilica Cistern Ticket
• Istanbul: Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia Guided Tour with Tickets
• Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia and Basilica Cistern Tour

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

Blue Mosque Map

Blue Mosque Photo Gallery