The Blue Mosque, also known as Sultan Ahmet Mosque is considered one of the most important buildings of the Ottoman Empire. Architect Sedefkar Mehmed Aga designed the mosque, built between 1609 and 1616 upon the order of Sultan Ahmed I. The mosque was built on a large area opposite Hagia Sophia upon the request of Sultan Ahmed I, from whom it takes its name. This mosque was built to show the power of the Ottoman Empire and its prestige in the Islamic world.
The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque due to the blue Iznik tiles used in its construction. These tiles, which decorate the mosque's interior, add a mystical atmosphere and reveal the elegance of Ottoman art. The mosque's interior is covered with approximately 20,000 blue tiles decorated with different patterns.
Since its construction, the Blue Mosque has been one of Istanbul's most important religious and touristic centers. The mosque hosts millions of people every year, and its architectural beauty, historical significance, and spiritual significance offer visitors an unforgettable experience.