The first of many mosques that we visited in Istanbul was the Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque. Although the mosque is a popular tourist destination it is still very much a functioning place of worship. As respectful tourists we entered through a special entrance and removed our shoes. I also used my scarf as a head covering while visiting the interior.
This mosque was built in the early 1600s and contains elements of both Ottoman and Byzantine architectural practices. Also, while most mosques have 1, 2, or 4 minarets, the Blue Mosque has 6.
In the photos above and below you can see the blue tiles that adorn the galleries and give this building its nickname.
I love the red and white brickwork that adorns the archways. It is no doubt an idea taken from the Mesquita-Cathedral is Cordoba, Spain.
The interior of the mosque is simply stunning. Can you imagine worshiping in a space such as this?
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