The Blue Mosque also called Sultan Ahmet Cammie in Turkish, is an ancient mosque in Istanbul. It is known as Blue Mosque due to the blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Turkey.

It was built between the years 1609 and 1616 when Ahmed1 was the ruler. Like all the mosques, it also has the tomb of the founder, a madrasa, and a hospice. Besides a normal mosque for prayer, this Ahmed Mosque is one of the most popular tourist places in Istanbul.

As it is an active mosque, it closed for half-hour pr during the five daily prayers. If you want to see the beauty of the mosque, approach it from the Hippodrome. And if you are a non-Muslim, you have to follow all the traditions to enter Blue Mosque.

How to visit the Blue Mosque?

Many tourists wonder how to visit the Blue Mosque and enjoy its beauty. One should know all the rules and beliefs of the respective faith while entering in their worship place. Here are the answers to all your questions related to dress code, fees, shoes, etc. about Blue Mosque.

1.   Plan your visit to the Sultanahmet area of Istanbul in mid-morning. The prayer happens five times a day starting at sunrise and the last one at nightfall. The mosque closes for 90 minutes at each prayer. Avoid visiting the mosque during prayer times or within a half-hour after the ezan is chanted from the Mosque emirates. 

2.   Before entering the mosque, take off your shoes and keep them in the plastic back provided at the entrance. It is part of Muslim tradition and each and every visitor should follow it to enter the mosque. Also, visit the Blue Mosque is free of cost.

3.   A female visitor must wear a head cover while entering the mosque. Do not worry, you will get the head coverings at the entrance of the blue mosque for free. Keep the fabric cover on your head, wrap it around the neck and toss it behind your back while covering your shoulders. Do not cover your face, the covering is meant to cover your hair.

4.   Maintain silence inside the mosque as it is a worship place. Use flash photography to take pictures. Do not stare or take pictures of the people who are praying. Be respectful and silent while visiting a mosque or you might offend the people of respective beliefs. At the exit, throw the used plastic bag in the dustbins and return the head coverings to the duty staff.

5.   You can donate to the maintenance and service of the Mosque, at the exit door. It is not compulsory, just do it by a wish.

Hope this information from our culture magazine will offer you the best experience of visiting Blue Mosque. Along with architectural beauty, wish for the long health of your loved ones in this holy place.