Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)

This huge and beautiful mosque right opposite the Hagia Sofia is famous for its blue interiors and hundreds of thousands of detailed decorations.

The mosque was built by Sultan Ahmed in 1616 as a show of Ottoman power. It is perhaps Istanbul's most picturesque building, complimented by the breathtaking architecture inside. The mosque gets its unofficial nickname from the fact that it has more than 20,000 blue Iznik tiles adorning the interiors, displaying many stunning designs. There are upwards of 200 stained glass windows for natural lighting, all showcasing different patterns and works. The mihrab itself is beautifully carved out of marble. On the outside the mosque has a collection of domes, and 6 towering minarets. It has a huge courtyard which gives you a perspective of the grandeur of the mosque. The mosque is still commonly used for worship, and is closed for tourists or visitors during the 6 prayer times of Muslims in the day.