SULTAN AHMED MOSQUE
SULTAN AHMED MOSQUE
The Blue Mosque was built for Ahmet I who is the one of the sultans of Ottoman Empire. Chief architect of this Mosque is Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa. The Sultan who was 19 years old at the time this mosque was built. He wanted to have a mosque it will be visible from all over Istanbul and attracting attention. Mehmet Ağa is an architect like Mimar Sinan and he is also master of mother-of-pearl. The Bus Mosque bears the traces of both ottoman and byzantine architecture and for building of this mosque, more than 20 thousand Iznik tiles with plant motifs were used. This Mosque is called as Blue Mosque. Because tiles which are used in the decoration of the interior walls are predominantly blue, green and white. Many of the interior decorations have Quranic verses and were made by Sayyid Kasim Gubari. The mosque is the first mosque in Turkey with 6 minarets. It is surrounded by balconies on three sides. The main dome is 43 meters and its diameter is 23.5 meters.
It was not just built as a mosque also as a large complex. Sultanahmet was one of the largest and most comprehensive structures in ıstanbul. Although the complex didn’t survive until today, ıt contained many structures such as baths, shops, fountains, primary school and tombs together.
While the Blue Mosque was being built, it was desired to be exceedingly magnificent and to overshadow other mosques. However, the Kaaba was the only mosque that has 6 minarets in the world, at the time Blue Mosque was built. It seemed to be disrecpective for Islam world. After that, Ahmet I adding a 7th minaret to the Kaaba to solve this problem. According to rumors, Ahmet I wanted the minarets to be made of gold, but Mehmet Ağa misunderstanded it as six and designed 6 minarets for the mosque.
The grave of Ahmet I, who die at the age of 29, is in the garden adjacent to the mosque. graves of Sultan’s wife Kösem Sultan, his sons Osman II and Murat IV are present among the tombs in the mosque.The interior design of the Blue Mosque, together with its surrounding additional structures and architecture, should be examined not only as a place of worship, but also as an architectural work of art. It is very costly and valuable work with its interior decorations, mother-of-pearl inlaid doors and chandeliers. It impresses many visitors with its unique appearance and magnificence.
WHERE IS BLUE MOSQUE?
It is located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, in the Sultanahmet Square, which it gives its name. Also the Blue Mosque is located right across the Hagia Sophia Mosque. It is very easy location to reach. It is possible to come this location from Fatih and Eminönü by direct buses or by ferry to Eminönü then by tram from Eminönü.
WHEN WAS THE SULTANAHMET MOSQUE BUILT?
The construction of the Blue Mosque, designed by Architect Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa at the request of Sultan Ahmet I, was started in 1609. Ahmet I was the first person to dig into the foundation of the construction. This building was completed in 1617 and construction of the mosque took eight years. The mosque was opened with a magnificent ceremony, prayers and a great feast.
