The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a historic mosque in Istanbul located next to the Hagia Sophia. The Blue Mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Although it still remains a functioning mosque, it is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Istanbul and attracts a large number of visitors each year.
The mosque has a cascade of domes, six minarets and the design combines both Ottoman and Byzantine elements. The mosque also includes the tomb of its founder (Ahmed I), a madrasa and a hospice.
The Blue Mosque is open seven days a week, however, it is worth noting that visitors may not enter the mosque during prayer sessions which take place multiple times per day. On Fridays, they also close the mosque to tourists for two hours from noon to accommodate the weekly prayer. You must take your shoes off upon entering the mosque and women must cover their hair with a scarf, offered at entrance.
