Few of Istanbul's attractions can match the 17th-century Blue Mosque for its beauty and regal grandeur. Officially titled the Sultanahmet Mosque, it is known as the Blue Mosque for the 20,000 blue hand-carved Iznik tiles which adorn the interior ceiling.
At the age of 19 Sultan Ahmet I commissioned the construction of the Blue Mosque, ordering that six minarets should adorn the Blue Mosque domes. This caused quite a stir in Mecca for until this date only Mecca's Kaba Mosque was considered holy enough to have six minarets.
Despite the outraged response he generated, Ahmet refused to reduce the number and was finally prevailed upon to send craftsmen to build another minaret onto the Kaba Mosque instead. To this day, the Kaba boasts a unique seven minarets. Sultan Ahmet died aged 27, just a year after his mosque was completed.
Highlights of any visit to the Blue Mosque include the mesmerising view of the thousands of tiles and appreciating the fine carving and inlay work of the doors and windows. Have a good look too at the carved stone of the mihrab and mimber.
Tourist access to the centre of the mosque is restricted: this is still a very religious and holy place which fills several times a day with the praying faithful, especially on a Friday. Remember to wear long sleeves and a long skirt or trousers, or you'll be given a particularly tasteful sarong to wear by the kindly Imam!