The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is one of the most famous and architecturally significant mosques in Istanbul, Turkey. Here are some key details about it:
- History and Construction:
- Commissioned 슬롯보증 Sultan Ahmed I and built between 1609 and 1616.
- Designed by architect Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, a student of the renowned Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.
- Constructed to reassert Ottoman power and as an imperial project to complement the nearby Hagia Sophia.
- Architecture and Design:
- Combines elements of traditional Islamic architecture with Byzantine Christian elements from the neighboring Hagia Sophia.
- Notable for its six minarets, 인터넷 카지노 게임 was a unique feature at the time of its completion.
- The mosque’s central dome is flanked by four semi-domes, with an additional series of smaller domes cascading down.
- Interior Features:
- The interior is adorned with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles from Iznik, featuring more than fifty different 카지노 온라인 designs, which give the mosque its nickname "Blue Mosque."
- The upper levels are painted blue and are illuminated by natural light filtering through more than 200 stained glass windows.
- The central prayer hall is spacious, with large chandeliers that add to the ambiance.
- The mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca) is 온라인 카지노 of finely carved and sculptured marble.
- Courtyard and Surroundings:
- The mosque has a large courtyard, one of the largest of all Ottoman mosques, surrounded by a continuous arcade.
- An ablution바카라 사이트 추천 is located in the center of the courtyard.
- The outer courtyard is surrounded by a high wall, with five entrances.
- Cultural and Religious Significance:
- An active mosque, it serves as a place of worship and a significant cultural and historical site.
- It is one of Istanbul’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year.
- Reflects the zenith of Ottoman 카지노 검증사이트 and artistic achievement.
- Tourism and Visitor Experience:
- Open to tourists outside of prayer times; visitors are required to dress modestly, with women covering their heads.
- Free entry, but donations are appreciated to help with maintenance.
- Visitors can explore the courtyard and the prayer hall, where they can admire the intricate tile work and impressive architecture.
- Maintenance and Preservation:
- Continuous efforts are made to preserve the mosque’s structure and intricate interior decor.
- Restoration projects address wear and tear from both time and the large number of visitors.
- Events and Activities:
- Hosts regular prayer services five times a day, with the most significant being the Friday Jumu'ah prayer.
- The mosque plays a central role during Islamic holidays such as Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
The Blue Mosque remains a symbol of Istanbul’s rich cultural heritage and architectural splendor. Its stunning design and historical importance make it a must-see destination for anyone visiting the city.