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The Blue Mosque – the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is a significant historical mosque in Istanbul, Turkey. Built between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I. Designed by the architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, the mosque combines traditional Islamic elements with some Byzantine features, reflecting the influence of nearby structures like the Hagia Sophia. The mosque is easily recognizable by its six minarets. The name Blue Mosque comes from the blue tiles used to decorate the interior walls. The interior is spacious, with high ceilings and numerous windows that allow natural light to enter. The mosque was constructed not only as a place of worship but also as a symbol of the Sultan’s authority and the strength of the Ottoman Empire.

The mosque interior is divided into two parts by a wooden balustrade. The prayer area, which makes up about two-thirds of the space, is reserved for worshippers, while the remaining one-third is designated for tourists. The entire floor is covered with carpets, so you need to remove your shoes before entering.

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Blue Mosque, Istanbul | ブルーモスク, イスタンブール | 蓝色清真寺, 伊斯坦布尔 | 블루 모스크, 이스탄불 | Mezquita Azul, Estambul | Mosquée Bleue, Istanbul | Blaue Moschee, Istanbul | Błękitny Meczet, Stambuł