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The Sultan Ahmed Mosque. The Blue Mosque, or as it is also called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an Islamic answer to Hagia Sofia Basilica. The architect Sedefhar Mehmet Ağa wanted to surpass the magnificence of the orthodox basilica and many people think he managed to do it. The blue Mosque was built in 1609-1617 (about 1100 years later than Hagia Sofia). The central cupola has a 33-meter diameter, around it there are smaller cupolas.

The Blue Mosque contains 6 minarets, its number symbolizes the wealth of the sultan, but the fact that this number is equal with the number of minarets in the Grand Mosque in Mecca, made angry the Muscleman. The sultan solved this problem by adding the seventh minaret. Inside the mosque is decorated with 20 000 small blue, red and brown tiles, made in Isnik. The blue tiles can also be seen on some details in the yard. You should pay attention on the prayer niche, mihrab, that is carved in the wall facing Mecca. Don't forget that the mosque is closed for tourists five times a day during the praying.
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