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Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is the popular name for the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a 17th-century Ottoman imperial mosque in Istanbul, Turkey.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Blue Mosque is the popular name for the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, a 17th-century Ottoman imperial mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. It is known for its six minarets, large domes, and interior decoration of blue İznik tiles. The mosque remains an active place of worship and a major landmark.

History

Sultan Ahmed I commissioned the mosque in 1609, and it was completed in the 1610s. Sources differ slightly on the completion year, with most giving 1616 or 1617.

Architecture

The mosque is admired for its Ottoman architecture, including a central dome, surrounding semi-domes, and six minarets. Its interior is decorated with large quantities of blue İznik tiles and stained glass windows.

Name and nickname

The building's official name is Sultan Ahmed Mosque, while 'Blue Mosque' is a popular nickname derived from the blue-toned tilework inside the mosque.

Religious and tourist use

The mosque remains an active place of Islamic worship and is also one of Istanbul's most visited landmarks. Visitor access is restricted during prayer times. Canadian travellers commonly visit the Blue Mosque as part of Istanbul itineraries, and it is frequently covered in Canadian travel guides and tourism articles.

Key facts

  • Built in the early 17th century during the Ottoman Empire.
  • Its formal name honours Sultan Ahmed I, who commissioned the mosque.
  • The nickname 'Blue Mosque' comes from the blue tiles used in its interior decoration.
  • It is notable for having six minarets, an unusual feature for a mosque of its era.
  • It continues to function as a mosque while also attracting visitors.
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Canadian context

Canadian travellers commonly visit the Blue Mosque as part of Istanbul itineraries, and it is frequently covered in Canadian travel guides and tourism articles.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Blue Mosque the official name?
No. The official name is Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish.
Why is it called the Blue Mosque?
It is nicknamed for the blue interior tilework and decoration, especially the İznik tiles.
When was it built?
Construction began in 1609 and finished in the 1610s; sources give the completion year as either 1616 or 1617.
Who commissioned it?
It was commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I of the Ottoman Empire.
Where is it located?
It is in Istanbul, Turkey, near Hagia Sophia and the former Hippodrome.
Is it still used as a mosque?
Yes. It remains an active mosque and also serves as a major tourist site.

References

  1. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Blue-Mosque-Istanbul-Turkey
    Supports: Official name, location, construction dates, patron, six minarets, and blue interior tile nickname.
  2. MasterClass — https://www.masterclass.com/articles/blue-mosque-guide
    Supports: Ottoman architecture, UNESCO status, and nickname derived from interior blue tiles.
  3. Architectural Digest — https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/the-blue-mosque-everything-you-need-to-know
    Supports: Common names, location in Istanbul, construction period, and visitor access context.
  4. Rough Guides — https://www.roughguides.com/turkey/istanbul-around/sultanahmet/blue-mosque/
    Supports: Location beside the Hippodrome, six minarets, and prominence in Istanbul.
  5. Smarthistory — https://smarthistory.org/the-blue-mosque-sultan-ahmet-camii/
    Supports: Completion year, patron, and architectural significance.
  6. Turkey Travel Centre — https://www.turkeytravelcentre.com/blog/facts-about-blue-mosque-istanbul/
    Supports: Visitor access, blue tiles, stained glass windows, and practical mosque-use details.