Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul: description, history and interesting facts

2024 Author: Harold Hamphrey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

An outstanding example of Islamic architecture is located in Istanbul. The business card of the largest city in Turkey is visited by millions of tourists every year. Despite the fact that there are several thousand mosques here, it is this one that attracts close attention of vacationers admiring the most beautiful monument of architecture. In our article we will tell the story of the appearance of the main attraction of the city, find out its architectural features and give important advice to tourists. In addition, we will tell you the name of the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul and why.

Popular tourist area

The symbol of the colorful city is located on its main square in the historic center. The Sultanahmet area in Istanbul is the most popular tourist destination. Protected by UNESCO, it got its name from the mosque of the same name, about which the story will go. A charming corner that holds a lotattractions, ideal for walking along the old streets. It is from this lively part of the city that guests of Istanbul begin their acquaintance with it. All famous architectural monuments are located next to each other, and therefore they can be explored on foot.

Sultanahmet Camii, or Blue Mosque

Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul, located in the city center, appeared in the early 17th century, when the ruler of the Ottoman Empire Ahmed I decided to build a religious monument. The Sultan, who inherited the throne as a teenager, wanted to leave his mark on history, so it was important for him that the new mosque become a symbol of his beloved city.

Besides, the great Ottoman Empire was losing its power and might, and troubled times came in the country, and the ruler turned to the powers of heaven, trusting in the help of Allah.

The legend of the architect's fatal mistake

According to the legend, a terrible scandal erupted during construction, which could end very badly for the architect, who misinterpreted the words of Ahmed I. The ruler wished to decorate the minaret with gold (in Turkish it sounds like " altyn minare"), and the architect decided that he is required to build six towers from which they call for prayer (" alty minare").

By that time, only one mosque in the world could boast of so many minarets - Masjid al-Haram (Forbidden), located in Mecca. And when Sultanahmet appeared in Istanbul, which contradicted all religious canons, the imams of the city took up armsagainst the ruler, accusing him of pride. Ahmed I made a wise decision: he did not punish the architect, because he really liked the building. And the seventh minaret was completed to the greatest shrine of the Islamic world, and its construction was fully paid for by the Sultan. True, historians believe that these are only speculations, and they should be treated accordingly.

A name written in history

The construction of the mosque lasted seven years, and in 1616 it finally received its first parishioners. Unfortunately, Ahmed I did not enjoy the amazing beauty for long. 12 months after the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul was completed, he passed away at a young age. It so happened that his name went down in history not thanks to military victories or economic development. Despite this, the ruler, who was buried in the mausoleum with his brainchild, is remembered to this day.

Religious complex

If we talk about the architectural style of the mosque, which fully conveys the spirit of those times, then two directions have merged in it: classical Ottoman and Byzantine. Four minarets, decorated with three balconies, are located, as expected, at the corners of the mosque. And the remaining two, equipped with two balconies, at a distance, at the end of the square. Each tower is 64 meters high.

Thanks to the skill of the architects, the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul looks light and airy. The high dome and many windows create a feeling of floating in the air.

Total areaa huge religious complex, including a school for Muslims, a kitchen, a hospital, without a spacious courtyard is approximately 4600 m2. Unfortunately, most of the buildings were destroyed in the 19th century, and only the school (madrasah) has survived to this day, which is used for its intended purpose.

What is another name for Sultanahmet in Istanbul

The luxurious mosque impresses with its interior decoration. It is decorated with white and blue handmade ceramic tiles. That is why it is often called the Blue Mosque. And this name has become much more popular than the original. Tourists who visited the attraction remember for a long time the name of the Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul.

Guests who have been inside admit that they were first of all struck by the unusual lighting, reminiscent of the reflections of burning candles. At first it seems that it is muffled, and the light is dim. Surprisingly, it is enough for luxurious tiles to play with rich colors. The three-dimensional effect is achieved due to the huge number of windows covered with stained-glass windows.

Architecture Features

The walls of the mosque and its dome, supported by five wide columns, are decorated with ornaments with floral patterns. Here you can read various sayings of the Prophet Muhammad and lines from the Koran. The flooring is a soft carpet in a muted purple hue.

Prayer niche carved from a single piece of marble makes a mosqueSultanahmet (Istanbul) unique. On the mihrab lies a black stone brought from holy Mecca.

In the west of the building there is an entrance that was used only by Ahmed I. When he entered the gate on a horse, he always leaned over, thus showing his insignificance before Allah.

Rules for visiting a religious monument

The Sultanahmet Mosque in Istanbul, with a capacity of 10,000 people, is the most visited building in the city. Along with Muslims, it can include tourists who profess different religions. Entrance to the building is free, but since this is a functioning religious institution, you can enter it only in appropriate clothing. Men are not allowed to wear shorts, while women are required to cover their bodies and wear a headscarf or cape, which is provided free of charge. Before entering, you must take off your shoes and put your shoes in a disposable transparent bag.

During religious holidays and prayers (from 11.15 am to 2.15 pm), visitors are strictly prohibited from entering. It is not recommended to visit the architectural complex on Friday, because on this day a lot of believers come to pray, and in the morning its doors are closed.

The working hours of the mosque depend on the tourist season: in winter it receives visitors until 17.00, and in the rest of the year from 9.00 to 21.00.

To get inside, you have to stand in a long queue, which takes about half an hour on average.

Photos are allowed inside, but only without flash.

In the secondIn the middle of the day there is an influx of tourists, so it is best to postpone other business and visit Sultanahmet early in the morning.

Istanbul Hotels

Tourists who want to settle in the main square of the city can pay attention to the following hotels located in the historical center. However, one must be prepared for the fact that living in this area will cost a pretty penny.

Arena Hotel - an Ottoman-style building the owner turned into a luxury hotel. The spacious rooms delight with rich decor and elegance that can be seen in everything. This is a true example of Turkish hospitality.

Alaaddin Hotel is famous for its picturesque roof terrace, which offers amazing panoramas. In addition, this is one of the few hotels with heating, and even in harsh winters, no one will freeze in the room.

Ararat Hotel is located opposite the Blue Mosque (and we have already found out how Sultanahmet is called differently in Istanbul). Here are not very spacious, but cozy rooms, decorated in Byzantine style.