Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is Istanbul’s most famous active mosque, known for its six minarets, cascading domes, and striking blue İznik tiles inside. Completed in 1616 opposite Hagia Sophia, it blends Ottoman and Byzantine influences and remains a key place of worship. Visitors can admire its vast courtyard, airy interior, and stained-glass-lit prayer hall. Entry is free; modest dress and shoe removal are required, and access pauses during prayer times. Best visited early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds, it offers insight into Ottoman artistry and the city’s layered religious history.