Turkey 2005

Blue Mosque

Directly across from the Ayasofya, the Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1617 by Sultan Ahmet I in an effort to outshine the Ayasofya. So great was his desire to succeed, he had the original architect executed before it was finished. The mosque was built with 6 minarets supposedly challenging the mosque in Mecca. This resulted in a 7th minaret being adding to the one in Istanbul. Iznik tile is used to decorate the inside of the mosque. The overall color of these tiles is Blue which prompted early visitors to proclaim it the Blue Mosque.

A view of the Blue Mosque from inside the Ayasofya	IMG_4095.JPG	From the 2nd story windows at the Ayasofya	The park entrance	IMG_4113.JPG	IMG_4116.JPG
A beautiful Blue Day in front of the Blue Mosque	The courtyard entrance	Please, no speaking ALAUD!	A look at the mosque in between prayer time	IMG_4121.JPG	The prayer floor
The famous Iznik tiles	Bare foot and happy	Posing in the mosque