Blue Mosque

Beautiful, stunning, serene. I have visited this mosque almost 100 times and am blown away by its beauty on each and every occassion. Forgive the rant but: please be very aware that this stunning building is still a fully functioning mosque. As with any other mosque it is necessary to remove your shoes and for women to cover their heads. You will see many tour groups where the women are not covering their heads - this does not make it right. Scarves are availabe at the tourist entry - please show respect for the religion and the people performing prayer inside by wearing a scarf (not a hat, or a handkerchief or by throwing a jacket over your head!). Believe me I've seen it all and, as a western, non-muslim, female, it embarrasses me every time.

The blue mosque is pretty impressive, so dont get me wrong when I say that I found it's interior to be a bit boring. The truth is, it was quite relaxing to be there - there's nice carpet everywhere so you can sit down comfortably, and there's certainly been a lot work that's gone into the decor. However, it's just that it really doesn't compare to the strong character of Aya Sophia's interior. Now the outside of the Mosque is a different story - definitely one of the most beautiful buildings I've ever seen. The best place to appreciate it is from the small park area in front of its main entrance (the one one worshipers are allowed through).

Contrary to most reviewers here, I was totally disappointed by the interior. There are millions of metal shafts hanging from the ceiling to support the lights which don't seem to provide much light. The carpeting feels and looks old, completely cheapening the experience. I felt there wasn't that much historical richness compared to the Hagia Sophia which gave ideas to the architect of the Blue Mosque. I would recommend going just to take a look but I wouldn't spend more than 30 mins there.

What a truly wonderful place the Blue Mosque is. You will be swamped with fellow tourists, yet the sheer size and magnitude of the Mosque makes up for it. Marvel at the intricate ceilings tiles. Non Muslims will get a sense of peace, magnificence and harmony in this place. The time to photograph it, however - sun rise when the colours are rich and warm, or during the "blue hour", just after dusk, when the night sky is still a deep blue and the Mosque is floodlit.

Built next to the 1000 year old Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque was intended to challenge the grandeur of Christian architecture. Entry is free.

The Blue Mosque definitely stands out in this city.  It seems as you walk around you can see the minarets from so many areas.  It is definitely an incredible sight as you cruise along the Bosphorus Strait, which connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Marmara.   

Istanbul was the first muslim country that i have been to and the first major mosque that i have been to. Being a fan of architecture, the blue mosque was a must see for me. The grand scale of the building blew me away. To cut a short story short, its a must see for any person from any religion.

Brilliant insight into ancient Turkey - right across the street you have the aquaduct which has marble pillars from all over the ancient world and to top it off you have the Sultan's Palace...outstanding and one of the most interesting places I have visited.

Built at the beginning of the sixteenth
century, this is the only mosque in Istanbul
with six minarets. The building was given
its name by the 20,000 blue Iznik tiles
used in its construction.

blue mosque is a very beautiful place

very nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nicevery nice

i really enjoyed staying in istanbul but there is thing bothering me there, that even to buy a bottle of water u have to discuss like 10 minutes for the price

It was beautiful! I wish I could remember more of it, but it was so long ago... I only have some pictures as memories and those don't even show that much.

Fantastic Place its a must see! and also the grand bizarre is fab we went for 3 days and still did'nt manage to see it all.

The blue mosk is a beatiful complex of buildings, real classic build, good guided tours to give full details....

C'est la plus grande mosquée de la ville aux milles et une mosquées. Mais Istanbul ce n'est pas que ça...

It was in April but suddenly it snowed and it was really amazing to see the Mosque under the snow!

Well worth spending a day at. Very old and wonderfully preserved.

feel all the civilization this place's been through...

Exquisite!The finest decoration I have ever seen!

The Blue Mosque it's a very majestous and great place. 

and the surroundings... the typical spirit of Istanbul

Simply magnificent, inside as well as outside!

Allways good place to meet different people

Pretty incredible. But smells of feet.

The most beautiful mosque in the world

it's very blue! also old i suppose

most beautiful mosque in turkey

Fabulosa! Una gran mesquita!