Sultan Ahmed Mosque which is also known as Blue Mosque, is one of the majestic historical places in Istanbul. The history of Sultan Ahmed Mosque dates back to 17th Century, and it was designed by a famous architect Mehmet Aga, instructed by Sultan Ahmed I, the Ottoman ruler of that era.

Do you know why Sultan Ahmed Mosque is also called Blue Mosque? It is because Sultan Ahmed Mosque’s interior walls are surrendered by blue tiles. Sultan Ahmed Mosque is not an ordinary mosque, it also has a madrasa and a tomb of the founder and a hospice. Beside being a historical as well as a touristic place, the mosque serves Muslim worshippers to perform five time prayers. During praying, tourists are not allowed to enter the mosque. If you are a tourist, before entering the Blue Mosque, you should take off your shoes and put them in galoshes provided at the entrance. If you are a woman, then you should cover your head with a headwear or a piece of fabric which you can borrow at the entrance. You may enjoy the mystic atmosphere and also may hear the sounds of the Azan chanted from the minarets of Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

After visiting Sultan Ahmed Mosque, if you would like to taste delicious foods and buy some gifts, you can also discover Sultan Ahmed Square with its souvenir shops enable you to buy interesting local gifts for yourself and your loved ones such as handmade carpets, jewelry, postal cards, magnets and so on. You can also discover delicious Turkish foods in restaurants, especially the one of which is very famous ‘’Sultan Ahmed Koftecisi (meatball)’’.

There are some other famous historical places nearby Sultan Ahmed Square you should definitely visit: Hagia Sophia, Basilica Cistern, Topkapi Palace, the Archeology Museum, Gulhane Park, Grand Bazaar and Beyazid Square. If you go to visit Istanbul in April, then you will have the chance to see Tulip Festival. Keep in mind that Sultan Ahmed Square is one of the places where you can see lots of beautiful tulips which are planted during the festival.

From the Anatolian Side, you can reach Blue Mosque by taking Eminonu ferry from Kadikoy or Uskudar, then taking tram and getting off the station which is also called Sultanahmet. From European Side, you can take Tunnel from the end of Taksim – Istiklal Street to go to Karakoy, then take Kabatas-Bagcilar tram and reach Sultanahmet station. You can also take 46H bus from Taksim to arrive at Beyazit station, and reach Blue Mosque by walking.

If you are interested in seeing historical attractions during your visits, then Sultan Ahmed Mosque and Square should be definitely in your list! Enjoy your trip!