April 2015
From Arasta Bazaar we walked to Sultanahmet (Blue) mosque, the iconic and historic mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is popularly known as the Blue Mosque for the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior. But you would be disappointed if you’re looking for lots of blue inside because they are mostly in the inaccessible upper galleries.
For the fact that it is a working mosque, non-Muslims should plan your visit ahead. It’s closed to non-worshipers 45 minutes before the call to prayer (azan) and 30 minutes afterwards, and all morning on Fridays. For further information to assist in your planning, visit this site www.bluemosque.co
Walking map from Arasta Bazaar to Sultanahmet (Blue) mosque.
Sultanahmet (Blue) mosque from breakfast terrace of Star Holiday Hotel.
View of Blue mosque from Sultanahmet Park.
Exterior view of Blue mosque from outside its compound.
Benches for you to rest and admire the Blue mosque at the back, or to your front the Sultanahmet Park and Hagia Sophia.
Exterior view of Blue mosque within its compound.
Tulips within the mosque compound.
Solid brass pipes outside the mosque for worshipers to do ablution before prayers. During winter months, the pipe water is cold.
Interior courtyard before entering the mosque and prayer hall.
Night view of the Blue mosque from Sultanahmet Park.
Night view from its exterior.
Night view from Sultan Ahmet square before the Hippodrome.
