Blue Mosque in Istanbul Turkey

The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I when he was only 19 years old. It was built near the Hagia Sophia, over the site of the ancient hippodrome and Byzantine imperial palace (whose mosaics can be seen in the nearby Mosaic Museum). Construction work began in 1609 and took seven years.

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

The mosque was designed by architect Mehmet Aga, whose unfortunate predecessor was found wanting and executed. Sultan Ahmet was so anxious for his magnificent creation to be completed that he often assisted in the work. Sadly, he died just a year after the completion of his masterpiece, at the age of 27. He is buried outside the mosque with his wife and three sons.

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

The original mosque complex included a madrasa, a hospital, a han, a primary school, a market, an imaret and the tomb of the founder. Most of these buildings were torn down in the 19th century.

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul

blue mosque istanbul