Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
TOP SIGHTS
BLUE MOSQUE
İstanbul's most photogenic building was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I (r 1603-17), whose
türbe
(tomb) is located on the north side of the site facing Sultanahmet Park. The mosque's wonderfully cur-
vaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and six slender minarets. Blue İznik tiles adorn the interi-
or and give the building its unofficial but commonly used name.
DON'T MISS...
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The approach from the Hippodrome
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İznik tiles
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Mimber
PRACTICALITIES
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Sultan Ahmet Camii
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Hippodrome
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9am-12.15pm, 2-4.30pm & 5.30-6.30pm Sat-Thu, 9-11.15am, 2.30-4.30pm & 5.30-6.30pm Fri
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Sultanahmet
Ahmet set out to build a monument that would rival and even surpass the nearby Aya
Sofya in grandeur and beauty. So enthusiastic was the young sultan about the project that
he is said to have worked with the labourers and craftsmen on site, pushing them along and
rewarding extra effort. Ahmet did in fact come close to his goal of rivalling Aya Sofya, and
in so doing achieved the added benefit of making future generations of hotel owners in
