Istanbul - Sultan Ahmet Complex

Sultan Ahmet Complex

Sultan Ahmet Complex

The Sultan-Ahmed Mosque, better known as the Blue Mosque was built by the architect Mehmet Aga for Sultan Ahmet I and is one of Istanbul`s most important landmarks. The name Blue Mosque goes back to the fact that for the decoration of the interior numberouse blue tilings were used. However if you are interested in the decoration of the mosque in more detail you have to distinguish between this mentioned tilings which are younger than the mosque and the tiling of the tribunes which has its origin in Iznik. This tiling has floral motives, dominating are blue and green colours. The painings of the interiour within restoration where changed to pink.

GOOGLE ADSENSE

A world wide special characteristic of the mosque is the six minaret-style. Only the mosque in Mecca has more minarets, however this was added after the Sultan-Ahmed-Mosque was finished. The prayer room of the mosque is 53 meter long and 51 meter wide. The main dome is 43 meters high and roofs several 5 meter thick pillars. The coloured glass of the 260 windows are a replication from the 17.th century. Originally the complex was surrounded by a wall, however nowadays only the Northern wall can be visited. It separates the mosque from the social institutions of the complex. In the mausoleum Ahmed I and his family , Osman II, Murat IV. and Prince Beyazit are buried.

Perhaps you recognize a strong iron chain when entering the Western side of the court- this chain was used to force the Sultans arriving by horse to bow before entering the mosque complexe as a sign of submission to Allah.

GOOGLE ADSENSE

Sultan Ahmet Complex by istanbul turkey.co.uk