The Blue Mosque Istanbul

 

Commonly known as the Blue Mosque, the correct Turkish name is actually Sultanahmet Camii (Mosque), and unlike Aya Sofya this is a working mosque where daily prayers take place five times a day. However, you can still visit inside the Blue Mosque and Istanbul Hotel Booker recommends that you do!

 

Where to Stay

As the Blue Mosque is so close to Aya Sofya, you have the benefit of choosing a hotel in Istanbul which is well situated for visiting both.

If you want a hotel which is really close by you’ll need to choose one on the historic peninsula, and preferably right in the heart of the old city. When you’re looking for your hotel on Istanbul Hotel Booker, try to find one on or near the Hippodrome or in the area called Cankurtaran as these will get you nearest and there are plenty here to choose from.

To be honest, there are hotels on just about every street on Istanbul’s historic peninsula and if you can find one which is on the tram route, all of the attractions are never far away from your Istanbul hotel.

 

When to Go

Between May and October, the Blue Mosque is open between 9am and 9pm, whilst between November to April it is 9am to 7pm. If you’re staying in a hotel in Istanbul which is nearby, be sure to come out at sunset as the Blue Mosque looks most impressive at this time and you’re bound to get some stunning photographs!

Remember that this is a working mosque so you may like to avoid trying to enter during prayer times, however, entrance is free and you can enter whenever you like as long as your legs and shoulders are covered and your footwear is removed.

 

About the Blue Mosque

Like Aya Sofya, the most impressive thing about the Blue Mosque is its sheer size. It’s one of only two mosques in Turkey to feature six minarets; a feature which was heavily criticized when construction began in 1609.

 

What to See

Enter the Blue Mosque via the courtyard on the South West side, and as you do so you’ll see that even the inner courtyard is extremely imposing. Inside the mosque you cannot help but be impressed by the size of this huge space and the beautiful decorations on the ceilings.