The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, stands out as one of the grandiose structures in Istanbul. Designed by Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa, a disciple of the renowned architect Sinan, this mosque stands opposite the Great Hagia Sophia Mosque, sharing a green space between the two. Initially, it was the only one in the city with six minarets until the construction of the Çamlıca Mosque in 2016. Originally known in Latin as "the house of the moon," its construction faced financial challenges during an economic crisis, delaying four years from order to the start of construction.

The Blue Mosque's impressive exterior harmonizes perfectly with its luxurious interior, where a symphony of blue Iznik mosaics creates a unique atmosphere.

After the Peace of Zsitvatorok and the unfavorable conclusion of the wars against the Safavid Empire, Sultan Ahmed I sought to build the mosque as a gesture of appeasement towards Allah. This imperial mosque, the first after more than forty years, was erected on the site of the Great Palace of Constantinople, opposite Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome. The construction, begun in 1609 and commissioned to Sedefkar Mehmet Ağa, was completed during the reign of Mustafa I, being inaugurated in 1617.

The Blue Mosque, also known as the mosque of Sultan Ahmed, is one of the most impressive monuments in the world and is part of the complex built by Ahmed I to compete with Hagia Sophia.

The design of the Blue Mosque represents the culmination of two centuries of evolution, fusing elements of Byzantine church with traditional Ottoman architecture. Its irregular facade is highlighted by ascending domes, with the central dome reaching 23.5 meters in diameter and 43 meters in height. The exterior, built of stone and marble, presents a harmonious and attractive profile, while the inner courtyard features a hexagonal fountain and a monumental entrance.

The interior of the mosque, lined with more than 20,000 handmade İznik tiles, exhibits a varied design, from traditional on the lower levels to eye-catching in the galleries. Blue-tinted paintings, more than 200 intricate stained-glass windows and chandeliers add to the atmosphere. Highlights include the finely carved marble mihrab and the minbar to its right. The Royal Pavilion, the Grand Vizier's hall and the tombstones on the walls complete the rich ornamentation of the interior.

The Blue Mosque has six minarets, a distinctive feature that initially drew criticism. However, the sultan solved the problem by adding a seventh minaret at the mosque in Mecca. Four fluted minarets are located at the corners, while the other two at the end of the courtyard have two terraces. Today, the call to prayer is made by public address system and is a prominent feature in the vibrant city of Istanbul.