Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque is a true architectural wonder. Construction lasted from 1609 to 1616. under Sultan Ahmet the First.
The Blue Mosque got its name for the interior cladding with blue and white handmade tiles. The patterns of the mosque are dominated by plant motifs - the buds of tulips, lilies, roses. The floor is covered with carpets. The light from 260 originally Venetian glass windows provides excellent illumination. In a prayer niche, carved from a single piece of marble, there is a black stone brought from Mecca.
The Blue Mosque is a popular tourist destination, but since it is a working mosque, there are certain rules of etiquette. The mosque closes five times during the day for 1 hour, which is dedicated to prayer. Visitors should remember that since this is a religious site, clothing should be modest, women should cover their heads, and shoes should be removed upon entry. For non-Muslims, the entrance is limited by the north gate, and Muslims pass through the main doors on the west side. Visitors should be calm and respectful of believers, even if there is no formal prayer at the moment.