Blue Mosque - Attractions in Istanbul

The Blue Mosque is the most famous landmark of the city of Istanbul in Turkey.

Also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, it was built in the period between 1609 and 1616 under the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. It is the only mosque in Turkey which has six minarets and about 250 windows which stream the sunlight in a beautiful manner.

The interiors are a fascinating blend of conventional and novel ideas which make the mosque stand out as the landmark attraction of the city. There are various domes which culminate into a central dome, which in turn provides for perfect visual harmony.

The inside of the dome is decorated with thousands of ceramic tiles, stained glass windows and chandeliers. Various inscriptions and verses from the Quran can be seen adorning the walls. The most enthralling site is the ‘mihrab’, made up of finely sculptured marble.