Istanbul, like all of Turkey, has a large number of mosques. However, there is one that, due to its incredible and imposing appearance, stands out above the others. We are talking about the Blue Mosque, one of the great architectural and cultural works that we can see in the city.
After the city of Constantinople, the former capital of Byzantium, fell to the Ottoman power and was renamed Istanbul, a golden age for Turkish architecture began.
In the centuries that followed, some of the most important buildings in the entire empire were built. Topkapi Palace, the Grand Bazaar, and the Blue Mosque date from this time, when tiles, crystals, and ceramics were brought to Istanbul from all over the Middle East.
The Blue Mosque stands out for being the third largest temple in Istanbul. This mosque also stands out for its six minarets, which make it visible from almost every point in the city.
These minarets have a very special meaning and symbolism, since when the Blue Mosque was built, its minarets looked very similar to those of Mecca, which also had six. This caused a great conflict between the religious leaders and the Ottoman rulers.
To end the discussion, a seventh minaret was added to the Mecca mosque, so that the two could be easily differentiated. Today, the Blue Mosque remains one of a kind, and every year thousands of people go to Istanbul to see it.
Although it is popularly known as the Blue Mosque, the real name of this religious temple is Sultanahmed Camii. Despite this, its nickname does justice to the interior appearance of the mosque, which is almost completely blue from the light reflected off its tiles.
Likewise, the mosque is exquisitely decorated with stained glass, windows, lamps, marble columns, ceramics and mosaics, making it one of the most beautiful structures in all of Turkey.
Its size is also remarkable, it can comfortably accommodate about 10,000 people in its prayer rooms, patios and gardens.
So much beauty, historical value and architectural relevance, have made the Blue Mosque a World Heritage Site, and one of the most recognizable Turkish symbols in the world.
Today, the doors of the Blue Mosque are not only open for its faithful, but also for any foreign visitor.
We already know that the Blue Mosque is a recognized tourist place, and that it receives many visitors, however, it is important to remember that it is still a religious place. For that reason, if you go to the Blue Mosque, you must dress properly.
The mosque is entered barefoot, men cannot enter with shorts and women must be covered. As in many other mosques, if the visitor does not have the appropriate clothing, they can lend you an appropriate outfit when entering the temple.
If you comply with the rules of conduct and dress, you will have no problem, and you can fully enjoy your visit to the spectacular Blue Mosque.
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