An architectural dream, and one of the most iconic buildings in Istanbul, the ‘Blue Mosque’ was officially re-opened today by President Erdoğan following on from the completion of a 5-year restoration project. An important symbol for Istanbul it attracts a significant number of tourists and worshippers throughout the day, as it’s still a functioning Mosque, and has been even during the restoration albeit with limited numbers.
Sitting next to the Hagia Sofia, which is not only the principal Mosque of Istanbul, but is also culturally and historically significant, the Ottoman Era Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed 1st. Originally a re-assertion of Ottoman Power, the Sultan built it on the site of the Old Byzantine Emperors Palace and therefore much of the South Shore lies across the foundations of the Vaults from the era.
It’s known as the ‘Blue Mosque’ due to the ornate hand-made tiles along the interior walls, of which there are more than 20,000, along with the blue lights which sweep across it’s exterior during the night, making it visible from miles around. It is actually the only Mosque in Turkiye to have six Minarets, plus there are five main domes and eight secondary domes incorporating two centuries of Ottoman development. The interior is a myriad of complex rooms and levels complete with decorative paintings, stained glass windows, chandeliers, verses from the Qur’an and Ostrich eggs, all of which are designed to pay homage & respect to Allah. In fact, on the exterior of the Mosque, there’s an iron chain placed in the upper part of the court entrance under which the Sultan had to lower his head every time he rode through the square – a symbolic gesture to ensure the humility of the sultan in the presence of Allah.
Designed to ensure that no matter where a worshipper is in the Mosque they can still see and hear the Imam, the most important part of the Blue Mosque is Mihrab with its stunning Pulpit, where sermons are delivered on holy days. Given the importance of the Mosque, and the fact that it was built during his time, it’s also the final resting place of Ahmed 1st.
The exterior of the Mosque consists of a spacious forecourt with a hexagonal central fountain all surrounded by a vaulted arcade. There’s also an elementary school, now used an information centre for tourists who wish to know more about the Mosque or Islam in General.
Pope Benedict XVI even visited the Blue Mosque during a trip to Turkiye in 2006, only the second Papal Visit in History to a Muslim place of Worship.
