Sultan Ahmet Camii – Blue Mosque

La archiconocida mezquita azul no fue de las mezquitas que más me sorprendió de la ciudad de Estambul. Quizás fue porque ya había visitado otras de la ciudad que estaban mucho más tranquilas y parecían más auténticas antes que esta o quizás había demasiados turistas cuando la visité pero lo cierto es que me decepcionó un poco.
Por fuera, la mezquita impone y el edificio es, sin ninguna duda, precioso. Además está rodeado por unos jardines que la alejan un poco del ruido y el estrés exterior. Antes de pasar al interior, se pasa por un patio que suele estar bastante lleno de gente y tras quitarte los zapatos, y si no están en horario de rezo, te dejan acceder a la mezquita.
Para mí, fue el interior lo que más me defraudó ya que no me pareció tan impresionante como lo pintaban y la mayoría de la mezquita estaba cerrada para visitantes y turistas quedando estos acumulados en un pequeño espacio del edificio.
Mi recomendación particular sería no dejar de ir a visitar esta mezquita pero tampoco centrarse en ver esta únicamente y ampliar un poco más visitando al menos dos o tres más.

first visit to a mosque and it was quite beautiful! you cannot wear shorts however they provide you with a wrap! the tile work inside is spectacular

Its remarkable. One of the best historical places to visit in Istanbul. The mosque is beautiful starting from the smallest detail on the carpets to the amazing ceiling and huge chandeliers. Its worth going and talking some photos but try to figure out the prayer times to avoid queues.

While I enjoyed seeing the Blue Mosque, I liked my experience at the Haghia Sophia and Süleymaniye Mosque better. The slimy, rug salesman were out in force outside of the mosque, and they definitely tainted my experience here.

If you’re in Sultanahmet, it’s a no-​brainer to stop by here. While the Hagia Sophia is a museum, the Blue Mosque is an active mosque. So please keep in mind to cover up when you visit and to avoid going during prayer time. With that said, non-​practioners are advised to enter on the Southwest-​facing side of the mosque (hopefully that’s right — I’m so-​so with directions). Here you’ll get the instructions on taking off your shoes, receive a historical guide, etc. It’s also free which is great for cheapos like me!
While the exterior of the mosque is unbelievable, I was more blown away by the interior. The level of detail of the ceilings, stained glass windows, lighting, etc. to me was amazing and great for pictures. I felt a sense of peace inside the Blue Mosque and took my time taking it all in. Unfortunately, no selfies here — bummer.
Only downside is nothing related to the mosque itself, but the «friendly» guys loitering outside of it. Clearly, they’re trying to act as guides and to eventually sell their carpets. My suggestion is to ignore them. In my case, just pretend you don’t know English :)
All-​in-​all, I’m very honored to step into the Blue Mosque as I know there are some mosques that are not open to the public. Lots of history here too so read up beforehand and enjoy the moment — you won’t regret it!

This mosque is very beautiful. The architecture is stunning. One of my favorite mosque to look at in Turkey.

I visited the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii) in Istanbul, Turkey on 5÷9÷2013. It was my 1^st time there. I was there on a tour from my cruise ship, the Pacific Princess, which was in Istanbul that day. It gets its name from its color (duh!). Plus, I took photos.

Also known as the blue mosque to many tourists, we got up early and apart from mosque dogs, we were among the first to arrive. It is free but donations are appreciated (and deserved because it is a sacred place to many and it’s nice that they make it open to the public).
One of the first things that I noticed about this mosque is that at night they all look blue and it was at night from my hotel that I confused it with the Ayasofya, which is only a blue mosque at night but a pink mosque during the day. In fact this mosque was built by Persian Sultan Ahmet in 1616 and it was built on the site of the palace of the Byzantine emperors and in front of Ayasofya.
Also interesting to know that Pope Benedict visited in 2006 and is only the second Pope to visit a Muslim place of worship.
The second thing I noticed about this mosque is that I needed a head covering to enter and so I was happy I had a scarf and also happy that I hadn’t worn my Christmas themed socks because you also have to remove your shoes and place in a plastic bag because it is carpeted. And I feel sorry for the guy who was vacuuming because it is huge inside.
I also first saw the stray dogs (that have apparently been a part of Istanbul’s history for hundreds of years) here at this mosque and it seems people who come here take care of them as they were well fed, tagged and pretty friendly, although a little attention starved.
I would say this is a must see in Istanbul and once inside you’ll notice the beauty and will want to admire the 20,000 plus handmade tiles, the many stained glass windows and the carpets donated by the worshippers. There are supposed to
be ostrich eggs in the chandeliers to keep Spiders and cobwebs out but I couldn’t see any.
Finally, do be careful of the super friendly men outside, they are not mosque guides. They sell carpets and want you to go with them to buy. And know that If you stay near the mosques, prayers emit from a loudspeaker or something at 5 or 6 am and go on for awhile. Be prepared to become an early riser if you stay at a nearby hotel.

This beautiful mosque blew my mind.
Having never visited a mosque before, I was absolutely shocked by the sheer size and beauty the Sultanahmet Mosque offered. Absolutely outstanding and mesmerizing. I spent almost an hour walking around the mosque and sat down in the interior for some minutes before finally getting up. Despite not being religious, I felt spiritual, and that there was something special about this place.
Whereas the Hagia Sofia now functions as a museum, the Sultanahmet remains a mosque today. For me, it was really all upside. I felt the Hagia Sofia was more historical than cultural, and Sultanahmet out-​does Hagia Sofia anytime, any day. Sure, the Hagia Sofia is world-​renowned, but without visiting the Sultanahmet Mosque, you can’t say you’ve been to Istanbul or Turkey. On the other hand, being a mosque, this place requires visitors to cover up their shoulders, legs, and hair (for women). They kindly provide everything for visitors. As a visitor and tourist, please respect the locals who come here for prayers. They are kind enough to open this place to public, don’t let this change (I went to Morocco where mosques were not open to non-​Muslims and was absolutely disappointed!).
One of the most amazing and impressive architectural wonders.

Directly across from the Hagia Sophia — this is a more impressive structure in my opinion and is still a fully functioning mosque rather than a museum. Thus, admission is free, but you need to adhere to Muslim customs. Shorts will not be allowed and women will need to cover their head/​shoulders. Coverings are provided, though, if you forget. The interior space is massive and the geometric artwork and gilded calligraphy are pristine. Short visit overall like stopping into Notre Dame or other world-​renown churches. Not all mosques are accommodating to tourists, so this is a nice little treat.

This was my first visit to a Mosque and I’m not sure any other Mosque will be able to top the Blue Mosque.
Good to know:
Its Free;
Built in early 1600’s;
Closed to visitors 5 times a day for prayer & Friday morning;
Men & women cannot wear shorts (they will provide a wrap to cover your legs);
Women must cover their heads, shoulders & arms. (they will provide a wrap, but I brought my own);
You must take off your shoes (they provide little plastic bags to carry yours shoes in), my daughter had a serious problem with this because she complained it smelled like feet;
The lines move fast;
Dome & blue tiles are a must see.

Comment noter autrement l’un des monuments les plus importants de la ville ???
Je vais passer les détails barbants et ennuyeux de l’histoire du pourquoi du comment et en venir au fait :
C’est une partie de l’âme d’Istanbul.
Le jardin est apaisant et plein de vie, les alentours sont tout autant amusants et intéressants a visiter (n’hésitez surtout pas á aller dans le quartier de Gülhane ou de magnifique bâtisses vous attendent).
Mais surtout rentrer passer les gros rideaux de cuir après vous êtres convenablement vêtues et savourez…
Pour moi: C’est ça Istanbul.

La célèbre Mosquée Bleue ! A 5 minutes à pieds de notre auberge, nous avons eu la change de l’admirer matin et soir et surtout de pouvoir entendre de nombreuses fois l’appel à la prière, chant que je trouve magnifique et qui me donnait des frissons à chaque fois que je l’entendais…
La visite de la Mosquée Bleue, comme pour toutes les mosquées est gratuite et visitable en dehors des heures de la prière. Avant d’entrer vous passez par une file d’attente ou votre tenue est vérifiée. A savoir que les hommes doivent avoir les jambes couvertes et les femmes cheveux, bras et jambes couverts. Si ce n’est pas le cas on vous prêtera des draps à rendre à la sortie. Vous devez également retirer vos chaussures avant d’entrer.
Après ça, vous pouvez pénétrer dans la Mosquée, un édifice sublime qui porte bien son nom de Mosquée bleue, tout est grandiose et soigné. Un endroit magnifique de l’extérieur comme de l’intérieur !

I did not feel blue or sad after visiting the Blue mosque. I just felt great afterwards. I loved this history enriched mosque. My hubby and I went before noon here. We were able to spend some time inside and in the courtyard.
As a woman, you have to cover your head and arms etc. I was able to get mesmerized by the sheer size of this mosque as well as pray and sit and really be a part of this beautiful peaceful place. It is free and no admission fee since it is a functioning mosque. Take your shoes off before entering, they provide plastic bags as well to put them. I would advise not to leave them outside because anyone can steal them.
Enjoy the sheer beauty of the interior of the mosque. The carpets are lushly handmade and seemed new. I did some research and found out they replace the carpets regularly due to the amount of people who visit this mosque. The ceramic tiles are all handmade and there are over 20,000 of them. There are decorations of the verses and names from the Quran all around the mosque. From all the functioning mosques in Istanbul, I would suggest visiting this one while your in Turkey.~

I think it’s pretty cool that they allow visitors who aren’t Muslim and offer additional clothing to ensure that everyone is modest. It provides a glimpse into a religion that mystifies many.
The mosque is quite beautiful and I love the tile work. No music from what I can see. It’s all about prayers and having your one to one with Allah.
Don’t let the long lines scare you. They move fast once people wrap things up with their selfie sticks and getting the perfect social media moment.

Sultan Ahmet Mosque to the locals or as many around the world know it, the Blue Mosque. The mosque is open to tourists (though closed during prayer times) and free for picture taking and gazing at the amazing design and structure of this famous structure. Some 21 000 hand painted tiles decorate the inside. No images of people or animals on any of them. Just floral or artistic designs, as that’s the way they do it here.
It’s completely organized for tourists with an easy queue for lining up, a place to get plastic bags to carry your shoes and free head scarves for the ladies who also want to see the inside. No shorts. No tank tops. It might not be your religion, but you should still be respectful for the people who do pray here.
Pictures are encouraged and welcomed. But again, show respect. Keep quiet. Avoid the «selfies.» Maintain a peaceful demeanor. It is an active religious mosque, even outside of the general prayer times there are still people praying here.
On the way out, a booth to return your borrowed headscarves and plenty of bins for the plastic bags. Consider making a small donation.

Zu dem Gebäude wurde schon viel geschrieben. Ich möchte mal dafür werben, auch die ganze Gegend mit den vielen Leuten aus allen möglichen Ländern und den schönen Innenhof der Moschee zu genießen. Der strahlt genauso wie die Moschee selbst eine besondere Leichtigkeit aus, die man z. B. von Kirchen oder anderen Bauten nicht so kennt. Am schönsten ist es dort in der späten Nachmittagssonne, die Gebäude sehen dann schön plastisch aus.
Man kann übrigens hinter der Moschee nach unten zum Meer laufen.

Die Blaue Moschee oder Sultanahmet Camii ist neben der Hagia Sophia die wichtigste Sehenswürdigkeit in Istanbul!
Von Außen sind es beides beeindruckende Gebäude! Von Innen hat mich die Blaue Moschee jetzt nicht ganz mitgerissen. Ja, die berühmten blauen Kacheln sind schon toll, aber es wirkt so klein und gedrungen, anders als es der äußere Anschein verspricht.
Wir hatten uns dann ausgerechnet einen Freitag für die Besichtigung ausgesucht, hier gibt es aber ganz andere Besuchszeiten als im Reiseführer angegeben, da es «Gebetstag» ist. Meine etwas ältere Ausgabe von 2012 war vielleicht auch nicht mehr auf dem neuesten Stand, denn darin hieß es, dass nicht-​muslimische Frauen kein Kopftuch tragen müssen. Dem war nicht so! Außerdem mussten wir die Schuhe ausziehen, was bei 10Grad Außentemperatur auch nicht so toll war. Aber wenn man die Religion und Sitten in anderen Ländern respektiert, dann macht man es, hatten wir ja auch extra einen Schal dabei. Leider war es dann doch recht enttäuschend…

We visited the famous «Blue Mosque» back in December during our visit to Istanbul while on-​board Norwegian Jade. We’d had quite a quick and thorough tour arranged for our second day in Istanbul and while the majority of the sights were now operating as museums, it was very interesting to see a fully working mosque and especially one as beautiful as this.
The group had considered leaving while we were in the queue as it appeared very long — but the queue moves quickly and we only had to wait for about fifteen minutes to get in. My wife had her own scarf with her, so she was prepared. They helpfully have little bags to carry your shoes in as you have to take them off to enter. To be honest, it was nice to take them off after walking for the entire day!
The inside was amazing, sure it wasn’t quite as dark blue as I expected, but I think I had a plain blue tile in mind. Instead the tiles are much more ornate than I’d thought. I would recommend visiting the mosque heavily to anyone coming to Istanbul. It’s an absolute must. Just be aware about prayer time — we got lucky as we were visiting on a Friday and they were closing to visitors just as we were coming in.

Sultanahmet Cami is an impressive 17^th-​century mosque, with domes, arches, and the famous six towering stone minarets. It is an architecture marvel and a must-​visit, since it is Istanbul’s religious center. There are daily calls to prayer and the fountain is lighted up in different colors at night.

Die blaue Moschee ist wirklich ein beeindruckendes Gebäude, aussen wie innen.
Die Wartezeit betrug bei uns etwa 20 Minuten, aber es hat sich gelohnt. Der Eintritt ist übrigens kostenlos. Man muss aber beachten, dass die Moschee zu den Gebetszeiten geschlossen wird.
Frauen müssen ein Kopftuch tragen, man kann dieses auch leihweise kostenpflichtig bekommen.
Alle Besucher müssen, wie in islamischen Gebetshäusern üblich, die Schuhe ausziehen.

Ummmmmm… Wow! Absolutely a must visit. And we only saw the exterior and courtyard — which gave us our fill of architectural awe. Lines to go inside the mosque were ridiculously long (as they were for just about every national landmark in Istanbul!). We didn’t need that stress in our lives. Allegedly most sections are closed off to tourist anyway, so some say it isn’t worth it, but judge for yourself if you have the patience of life.
Deets:
— Admission: FREE!
— Closed during prayer time.
— The queue for visitors/​non-​Muslims isn’t in the courtyard. You have to walk through courtyard to a separate line that’s on the side of building.
— Women must cover head and shoulders. If you don’t have your own scarf/​covering, one will be loaned to you (ick! BYO!). They’re not very strict with this rule in the courtyard, but as a sign of respect, it is advised that you adhere to the proper dress code.
— Listening to the call to prayer that bounces between the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofya is nothing short of mesmerizing.

Wish I could give an amazing sight like this a full five stars, but with crazy long lines (even in the off season), a cattle-​herding mentality from the staff, and the prevalent scent of bare feet, it’s something I’d only suffer through after the first few times. =D
Regardless, a free thing is a good thing. Just try to figure out the prayer times before you head over or you may be in for a longer wait.

If you are in Istanbul, this is one of the must see sights. It’s hard to miss! Also called the Blue Mosque (locals dont call it that).
You have to remember not to wear shorts and cover your shoulders. The architecture outside is beautiful. Inside, I honestly wasn’t as impressed. You have to take off your shoes inside, I would recommend you wear socks. Depending on the weather you can get a stinky foot smell inside! Be prepared for it!!!
It’s really hard to take pictures of this place from the outside, too many trees blocking the view. Try to walk towards the plaza where the water fountain is, you will get better shots from there.

Zunächst einmal ist beim Besuch zu beachten, dass die Moschee zu Gebetszeiten geschlossen wird. Das ist auch sehr verständlich, besonders wenn man mal zu den Nicht-​Gebetszeiten drinnen war. Man erkennt das an den großen Schildern am Eingang, an denen dann steht «Worshipers only».
Auch lohnt es sich gerade als Frau sehr, wenn man die Moscheen von Istanbul besuchen will, eine lange Hose (am besten eine zum Krempeln) und einen breiten Schal dabeizuhaben. Das mit der langen Hose gilt ja auch bei vielen Christlichen Kirchen, aber als Frau muss man zumindest beim Betreten sein Haar mit einem Kopftuch bedecken. Natürlich bekommt man am Eingang auch leihweise ein Kopftuch beziehungsweise ein Tuch, um seine Beine zu bedecken, aber wenn man sich die Massen anschaut, die da durchgeschleußt werden, gerade bei der blauen Moschee, lohnt es sich doch sehr, sein eigenes Tuch dabei zu haben, wer weiß, wie oft die Leihtücher gereinigt werden. Außerdem muss man beim Eingang die Schuhe ausziehen. Zwar liegen überall Teppichböden, aber auch hier sind Socken manchmal nicht so schlecht, man sieht sonst den Fußpilz schon sprießen.
Nun, als wir das erste mal dort waren, war gerade Gebetszeit. Leider steht im Internet überall durchgängige Öffnungszeiten, so dass ich nicht mehr ganz nachvollziehen kann, wann genau Gebetszeiten sind. Aber da müsst ihr einfach selbst schauen.
Beim zweiten mal hatten wir dann mehr Glück und standen zunächst 20 Minuten in der Schlange, bis wir dann die Schuhe ausziehen durften und ins Innere treten. Der Eingang befindet sich an der Hofseite.
Was einem zunächst sehr auffiel war die beeindruckende Menschenmasse im Inneren. Der Innenraum ist zweigeteilt, wobei vorne nur zum Gebet geöffnet ist, hinten ist wohl der Teil, der für die Frauen vorbehalten ist und für die Touristen. Auch stinkt es hier bestialisch nach Fussschweiß. Irgendwie ist das der Haupteindruck, der vom Innenraum hängengeblieben ist. Man konnte kaum den Kopf heben, weil man so eingezwängt war. Mit Platzangst jedenfalls sollte man trotz des großen Raumes auf den Besuch eher verzichten.
Der Innenraum an sich ist schon prächtig ausgestattet mit dem großen, tief hängenden Leuchter und dem beeindruckend hohen, mit Mosaiken ausgestatteten Kuppelbau. Lange konnte ich allerdings nicht drin bleiben, da mich die Touristenmassen wieder rausgedrückt haben.
Von Außen ist die Moschee schon gigantisch. Nicht nur die zahlreichen Kuppeln und die 6 Minarette, auch der prächtige Innenhof der Moschee mit den Brunnen zeigen, dass diese Moschee eine große Bedeutung hat — immerhin die Moschee die der Sultan besuchte.

I appreciated this place more the second time around. Perhaps because the weather was warm unlike our last trip here.
It’s architecturally gorgeous. Entry is free.
For men, wear shorts that fall below the knees or wear long pansy or jeans. For women, they provide you with a communal head dress (yuck, I feel sorry for y’all!)
You remove your shoes before entering the mosque and are given a plastic bag to carry them in.
Take all the pics you want but use common sense and don’t take pics of people praying.
TIP:
Go later in the day say after 3pm to avoid the lines.

The Blue Mosque
Be on your guard here. People come at you from all directions trying to sell you things, take your picture with your phone (hope you don’t fall for that one) and play you for a sucker with all of the coverups that you should use before entering the mosque. No «my very best friend» that I’ve never seen before, I will not be following you to the guy who conveniently sells those scarves we need. I think I’ll just use the ones that they hand you for free when you enter the mosque. Really these guys were swarming like flies in this area. I thought the guys outside the Louvre hawking mini towers and the Romanian gypsies with their gold ring scam were bad. They’ve got nothing on these tricksters.
Again, they give you all you need to cover upon entry to the mosque. Cover yourself in this place of worship as a sign of respect. Ditch your kicks and carry them in one of the plastic bags they will give you.
The mosque is beautiful with all of the tiles and domes. Approach from the Hagia Sophia for the best view of all the minarets. Predictably, it smells like feet.

Une architecture incroyable à né pas manquer. Visite à faire plutôt le matin pour éviter la grande foule et mieux apprécier le lieu.
Il y a deux entrées: une pour les fidèles et l’autre pour les touristes mais dans les deux cas vous verrez la même chose !