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Blue Mosque

Istanbul's imperial Mosque of Sultan Ahmet I (Sultan Ahmet Camii) is called the Blue Mosque because of its interior tiles, mostly on the upper level and difficult to see unless you're right up there with them.

Forget the blue tiles! The mosque (built 1603-17) is the masterwork of Ottoman architect Sedefkâr Mehmet Aga. It's built on the site of the Great Palace of Byzantium, on the southeastern side of the Hippodrome.

With its six minarets and a great cascade of domes, the mosque is a worthy sibling to Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia) just a few minutes' stroll to the north.

The Blue Mosque has fascinating secrets revealed in my travel memoir, Bright Sun, Strong Tea, and on the Magic of the Blue Mosque page.

This is one of Istanbul's premier sights, and you're welcome to visit at most times of day, for free (donations gratefully received).

But it's also a working mosque, so it's closed to non-worshippers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers, and may be closed for a longer time midday on Friday, the Muslim holy day.

The way to properly appreciate the splendid architecture of the Blue Mosque is to enter it from the Hippodrome (that is, from the west) so you can appreciate the Magic of the Blue Mosque.

Enter on the south side of the mosque (to the right as you enter from the Hippodrome. If you're entering from the Ayasofya side, the tourist entrance is on the opposite side of the mosque.

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Events & Activites
Dutch Delight 2D Party: Martyn & Dj Melon
Babylon Istanbul
2012-05-17
"After Yesterday" Photography Exhibition
Istanbul Modern
2012-02-16
Rotterdam Exhibitions
Istanbul Modern
2012-03-10
"Silent Witnesses From Neolithic Period to the Seljuks"
Rezan Has Museum
2012-03-23
Disney Live! Mickey\'s Music Festival
Trump Towers Mall
2012-04-24
KIBELE Art Exhibitions
Is Sanat Culture Centre
2012-04-26
11. ESPD Congress (Europen Society for Pediatric Dermatology)
Wow Istanbul Hotel
2012-05-16
Evteks - 18th International Istanbul Home Textiles Exhibition
CNR Expo Istanbul
2012-05-16
Angelika Kirchschlager & Gautier Capucon & Helmut Deutsch
Is Sanat Culture Centre
2012-05-18
Alexandra Stan
Ooze Venue
2012-05-18
Virtuoso: Angelika Kirchschlager
Is Sanat Culture Centre
2012-05-18
Lulabay - A Cihangir Story
Salon IKSV
2012-05-20
Oh My Smyrna, My Beautiful Izmir
Theatre Pera Eren UluergUven Stage
2012-05-20
Kafka\'s Monkey
Kenter Tiyatrosu
2012-05-20
Salvador Dali Exhibition
Ankara CerModern
2012-05-20
Loner's Club
Arnavutkoy Art Gallery I Istanbul
2012-05-20
12th International Maritime Exhibition
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-05-20
Kazan
Abdi Ipekci Arena - Istanbul
2012-05-21
Chamber Orchestra Kremlin
Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall
2012-05-21
Suzanne Vega
Salon IKSV
2012-05-22
Open Window
Sahne Besiktas
2012-05-22
18th National Surgical Nursing Congress
Kaya Otel & Congress Center
2012-05-23
Suzanne Vega
Salon IKSV
2012-05-23
I am Bertolt Brecht
Kenter Tiyatrosu
2012-05-23
Play
H. Muhsin Ertugrul Stage
2012-05-23
Open Window
Sahne Besiktas
2012-05-23
IPAF 2012
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-05-24
Kompoist 2012 (4th Composite Products and Raw Materials Trade Fair)
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-05-24
LOS VIVANCOS
Is Sanat Culture Centre
2012-05-25
Queen Of Hearts
Salon IKSV
2012-05-25
Gripin
Jolly Joker Ankara
2012-05-26
MFO Concerts
Jolly Joker Balans
2012-05-26
The Room and The Man
Garaj Istanbul
2012-05-27
Hans Was Heiri
H. Muhsin Ertugrul Stage
2012-05-27
Doga Koleji Book’n Roll Summer Fest 2012: Murat Boz
Parkorman
2012-05-27
Intertraffic Istanbul 2013
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-05-29
SUBCONIST - 9th International Subcontracting Exhibition
CNR Expo Istanbul
2012-05-30
Jaded Secrets
Garaj Istanbul
2012-05-30
Encounter/S
Hezarfen Airfield
2012-05-30
Clothing Machinery 2012
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-05-31
40th Istanbul Music Festival
Istanbul Culture Art Foundation
2012-05-31
40th Anniversary Opening Concert
Halic Congress Center
2012-05-31
Regici Belgeseli Lansmani & Sattas
Ghetto Beyoglu
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Isn’t It?
Salon IKSV
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Chamber Orchestra Vienna-Berlin & Anne-Sophie Mutter
Lutfi Kirdar - Rumeli Fair and Exhibition Hall
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Cem Adrian Concerts
Jolly Joker Balans
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Emre Aydin
Jolly Joker Balans
2012-06-02
Rhinoceros
H. Muhsin Ertugrul Stage
2012-06-02
Not In Our Custody
Mekan Arti
2012-06-02
Yundi (Piano)
Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall
2012-06-02
Trap Theaters
Garaj Istanbul
2012-06-03
Zurich Ballet - I
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-04
Macbeth
H. Muhsin Ertugrul Stage
2012-06-04
Macy Gray
Turkcell Kurucesme Arena - Istanbul
2012-06-04
Zurich Ballet - II
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-05
Macbeth
H. Muhsin Ertugrul Stage
2012-06-05
Ankomak 2012
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-06-06
Dances of The World
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-06
Dances of The World
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-06
Istanbul Finance Congress 2012
Okan University Tuzla Campus
2012-06-07
IRETWM 2012 - 8th International Recycling,Environmental Tecnologies and Waste Management Trade Fair
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-06-07
Nature, Hunting 2012
Tuyap - Bursa
2012-06-07
6th International Fair for Fish Imports/Exports, Processing, Aquaculture and Fisheries Fair
Izfas Fair Center
2012-06-07
Madonna 2012 World Tour
Turk Telekom Arena
2012-06-07
Soul Sensation
St. Maria Church
2012-06-07
Women Heroes of Music
Sureyya Opera House - Kadikoy
2012-06-08
MindBody Istanbul 2012
Kucukciftlik Park
2012-06-08
Tekfen Philharmonic Orchestra
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-09
Erol Evgin
Turkcell Kurucesme Arena - Istanbul
2012-06-09
Tekfen Philharmonic Orchestra
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-09
Giya Kancheli: A World Premiere
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-11
16th AFRO ASIAN CONGRESS OF OPHTHALMOLOGY - Harbiye Military Museum Istanbul, Turkey
Harbiye Military Museum Istanbul , Turkey
2012-06-13
DESTINATION EURASPHALT & EUROBITUME ISTANBUL - Lutfu Kirdar - Rumeli Fair and Exhibition Hall
Lutfi Kirdar - Rumeli Fair and Exhibition Hall
2012-06-13
CellIstanbul & Pervin Cakar
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-13
CellIstanbul & Pervin Cakar
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-13
VIV Turkey 2013
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-06-13
Animalia Istanbul 2012
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-06-14
SEAEXPO TURKEY 2012
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-06-14
30th Izmir Shoes, Bags and Accessories Fair
Izfas Fair Center
2012-06-14
Gates of Felicity
Hagia Irene Museum
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Levent Yuksel Concerts
Jolly Joker Balans
2012-06-15
Nederlands Dance Theatre
H. Muhsin Ertugrul Stage
2012-06-15
Deutsches Symphonie Orchester Berlin
Lutfi Kirdar - Rumeli Fair and Exhibition Hall
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Skin From Skunk Anansie DJ Set
Otto - Santral
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Festival Encounter
Hagia Irene Museum
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Young Masters And Their Heroes
Cemal Resit Rey Concert Hall
2012-06-19
Megadeth
Kucukciftlik Park
2012-06-19
Don Quixote From Isso & Daniel MUller - Schott
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-20
Don Quixote From Isso & Daniel MUller - Schott
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-20
Helene Grimaud
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-22
A World Premiere By Fazil Say
Halic Congress Center
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Feridun Duzagac Concerts
Jolly Joker Balans
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Burn Electronica Festival Istanbul 2012
Parkorman
2012-06-23
A World Premiere By Fazil Say
Halic Congress Center
2012-06-23
Say, I Am You - Mevlana
Hagia Irene Museum
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Say, I Am You - Mevlana
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-24
Nouvelle Vague - Dawn of Innocence
Kucukciftlik Park
2012-06-25
Walk off the Earth & Nouvelle Vague "Dawn of Innocence"
Kucukciftlik Park
2012-06-25
Map Of The Heart
Istanbul Culture Art Foundation
2012-06-26
Jessie J
Kucukciftlik Park
2012-06-26
Efes Pilsen Sunar: Zaz - Istanbul
Kucukciftlik Park
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Garanti Bank Presents: Two Door Cinema Club & Metronomy
Kucukciftlik Park
2012-06-28
Vienna Chamber Orchestra
Hagia Irene Museum
2012-06-29
Olmeca Golden Nights presents Pitbull
Kucukciftlik Park
2012-06-30
Tuborg Goldfest (GNR, Evanescence…)
Parkorman
2012-07-04
8th World Congress in Probability and Statistics - Grand Cevahir Hotel & Convention Center
Grand Cevahir Hotel & Convention Center
2012-07-09
8th World Congress in Probability and Statistics
Grand Cevahir Hotel & Convention Center
2012-07-09
Chris de Burgh
Kucukciftlik Park
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16th International Veterinary Radiology Assocation Meeting & EVDI Annual Meeting 2012
Almira Otel
2012-08-26
23rd Zuchex International Housewares & Gift Fair and Electrical Appliances Fair
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-09-05
All Green Expo Istanbul International Green Economy Congress
CNR Expo Istanbul
2012-09-06
20th International Food Products & Processing Technologies Exhibition
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-06
Red Hot Chili Peppers
Santral Istanbul - Eyup
2012-09-08
19th ISPCAN International Congress - Harbiye Military Museum Istanbul, Turkey
Harbiye Military Museum Istanbul , Turkey
2012-09-09
Ankiros 2012
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-09-13
CeBIT Bilisim Eurasia 2012
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-09-13
Istanbul 7th Rubber Industry Fair
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-09-13
PaintIstanbul 2012
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-13
ANKIROS 2012
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-09-13
Zow Inside Desing Fair
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-13
Franchising and Dealership Opportunities Portal For the Turkish Market
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-13
4. Islamic Fashion Show 2012
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-13
ANNOFER 2012
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-09-13
TURKCAST 2012
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-09-13
Istanbul Food Tech Fairs
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-09-20
18th International Packaging Industry Fair
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-09-20
ISAF Security Fair 2012
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-20
Isaf Fire Fair 2012
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-20
Isaf Safety & Health Exhibition
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-20
Isaf IT Security Fair
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-20
Isaf Smart Houses Fair
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-20
48th AYSAF-Istanbul International Footwear Industry Suppliers Fair
CNR Expo Istanbul
2012-09-20
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WOW Topkapi Palace - Antalya
2012-09-27
LED&LED Lighting Exhibition
DTM Istanbul Fair Center
2012-09-27
Pulire Eurasia Istanbul 2012
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-27
3rd Advex Fairs
Istanbul Trade Center
2012-09-27
ELECTRICITY CYCLE, TRANSMISSION AND DISTRIBUTION EXHIBITION
Istanbul Trade Center
2012-09-27
Electronic Compotents, Power Supplies & Embedded System Exhibition
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-09-27
MAKTEK EURASIA 2012
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-10-02
14th International Furniture Side Industry and Wood Technology Fair
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-10-02
14. International Metalworking Network Technologies Exhibitions - Tatef 2012
CNR Expo Istanbul
2012-10-02
Toys,Licences,Games and Educational Toys Fair
DTM Istanbul Fair Center
2012-10-04
TURKCHEM 2012 - 5th International Chem Industry Group Fairs
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-10-11
25th International Wood Processing Machines Cutting Tools
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-10-13
15th International Furniture Side Industry,Accesories,Forestry Products and Wood Technology Fair
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-10-13
6th International Market Place for Fruit & Vegetable Trade
Antalya Expo Center
2012-10-15
Yapex Build International Exhibition
Antalya Expo Center
2012-10-18
Yapex Windoor 2012
Antalya Expo Center
2012-10-18
Natural Stone 2012
CNR Expo Istanbul
2012-10-18
11.Istanbul Retail Trade Fair
Lutfi Kirdar - Rumeli Fair and Exhibition Hall
2012-10-19
ESC Acute Cardiac Care 2012
Lutfi Kirdar - Rumeli Fair and Exhibition Hall
2012-10-20
24th International Hospitality Industry Euipments Exhibition
Antalya Expo Center
2012-10-23
4th International Health Tourism Exhibition
Antalya Expo Center
2012-11-01
14th International Outdoor Advertising Trade Fair
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-11-06
48th AYMOD-Istanbul International Footwear Fashion Fair
CNR Expo Istanbul
2012-11-07
IWES 2012 (4th Waste Technologies Symposium and Exhibition)
WOW Istanbul Hotels & Convention Center
2012-11-15
Transport Logistics Exhibition
Istanbul Expo Center
2012-11-15
Fresh Antalya 2012
Antalya Expo Center
2012-11-15
International Istanbul Book Fair
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-11-17
Contemporary Istanbul 2012
Halic Congress Center
2012-11-22
22nd PLAST EURASIA ISTANBUL 2012
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-11-29
Eurasia Sport Expo Istanbul 2012
Lutfi Kirdar - Rumeli Fair and Exhibition Hall
2012-11-30
FOODIST 2012 Istanbul (6th Istanbul Food and Beverage Fair)
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-12-06
Mamtek Istanbul (Shop,Shopping Center,Market System,Equipment and Logistic Fair)
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-12-06
Horeca Istanbul 2012
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2012-12-06
EducaTurk 2012
Lutfi Kirdar - Rumeli Fair and Exhibition Hall
2012-12-13
Anfas Food Product - 20th International Trade Exhibition for Food
Antalya Expo Center
2013-02-20
BETON 2013
Istanbul Expo Center
2013-02-21
Eurasia Rolling Stock,Infrastructure & Logistics Exhibition
Istanbul Expo Center
2013-03-07
12th International Maritime Exhibition - Europort Istanbul 2013
Istanbul Expo Center
2013-03-20
IDMA 2013 ( 5th Food Product Technologies)
Istanbul Expo Center
2013-04-04
ALUEXPO 2013 (3th Aluminium Technologies, Machinery and Products Trade Fair)
Istanbul Expo Center
2013-10-03
Printtek 2013 - Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
Tuyap Fair Convention & Congress Center
2013-12-05
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