Blue Mosque

ARCHITECTURE

The design of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is the culmination of two centuries of both Ottoman mosque and Byzantine church developments. It incorporates some Byzantine elements of the neighboring Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture and is considered to be the last great mosque of the classical period of Ottoman Empire.

Interior Curiosities

 The interior of the mosque is lined with more than 20,000 (Twenty thousand) handmade ceramic tiles.

 The price to be paid for each tile was fixed by the sultan's decree, due tile prices in general increased over time.

 the upper levels of the Mosque interior is dominated by blue paint. More than 200 (two hundred) stained glass windows with intricate designs admit natural light.

 On the chandeliers, ostrich eggs are found that where meant to avoid cobwebs inside the mosque by repelling spiders.

 The most important element of the Mosque interior is the mihrab, which is made of finely carved and sculptured marble, with a stalactite niche and a double inscription panel above it.

If you are a woman

If you are women wear a head covering when entering to Blue Mosque. Head coverings are available at the Blue Mosque entrance for free. Place the fabric cover on top of your head with equal portions hanging on both sides. Take one side and wrap it around your neck, tossing it behind your back with covering your shoulders. Don't cover your face, the covering is meant to hide your hair only.

PRAYER TIMES

Muslims pray five times a day according to the basic tenets of Islam. The timings of these prayers are spaced fairly throughout the day, so that one is constantly reminded of Allah and gives opportunities to seek His guidance and forgiveness.

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