Sultanahmet Cami - Kilim and Carpet Museum - Aya Sofia

Sultanahmet Cami, known to the west as the Blue Mosque, stands next to the ancient hippodrome on the site of the Byzantine palace. It was built in 1609-17 by the architect Mehmet Aga, and was the last and largest of the imperial mosques to be built during the Ottoman era. It is one of the few mosques in the world with 6 minarets, and it has a 22.5m (74ft) diameter dome that nearly equals that of Aya Sofia in size. The dome, which is 43m (141ft) high, is supported by four large fluted columns each measuring 5m (16ft) across.

The main entrance is reached through a spacious courtyard surrounded by granite columns with a hexagonal wrought-iron ablutions fountain at the centre. Visitors, however, should use the side entrance and keep within the partitioned area so as not to disturb worshippers. Head-scarfs and coverings are issued at the door.

The Blue Mosque

Known as the The Blue Mosque ( Sultanahmet Cami ) the mosque is located next to the ancient Hippodrome and across from Hagia Sophia. The mosque was built in the first quarter of the 17th century. The architect was Mehmet Aga, one of the pupils of the great Architect Sinan. As he tried to surpass his master he created a masterpiece that still has a great reputation. Next to the mosque is a religious complex, that had a soup kitchen, a hospital, a primary education school, a madrasah and the tomb of Sultan Ahmet. The six minarets and the lay out of the domes and semidomes create a unique exterior.

Istanbul Travel Guide

The magnificent city of Istanbul, straddling the 2 continents of Europe of Asia over the waters of the Bosphorus, is historically an imperial capital and seat of the Byzantine, Roman and Ottoman empires. Discover some of the most striking excesses from the past in the Old City – Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia Museum...

Main Istanbul Highlights:
Explore the decadent four courts of Topkapi Palace, perched atop the narrow peninsula of Seraglio Point overlooks the Marmara Sea and Golden Horn and is one of the grandest and most lavish palaces of the Ottoman Sultans over the last 500 years. The secret life and extravagant decor of the Harem, the luxurious satin gowns, gold and diamond-laden treasury and armory section are testimony to the great throne of power once seated here.

One of the greatest examples of surviving Byzantine architecture is the Hagia Sophia Museum with colossal dome atop colored marble columns making awesome viewing, not least the upper balconies lined with expansive glittering gold mosaics. In its day it was world renowned for its record as the largest church for 1000 years. Converted to a mosque by the Sultan at the neighboring Topkapi Palace, it has a suitably grand royal entrance attached.