Sultanahmet The historical quarter in the south eastern part of Istanbul’ s epicentre is a must on the tour trail and one that most visitors will try and visit, if only for an hour or two. The area plays host to two of the most important and magnificent mosques in the city – the famous Blue Mosque, bedecked with 20,000 shimmering blue Iznik tiles and the older Haghia Sophia, one of the world’ s greatest architectural glories.
Making light work for visitors on foot, the two mosques conveniently stare at each other across an area of lush gardens making it a walk-friendly start to explore a stunning part of the city that forms what is now a UNESCO heritage site.
The Haghia Sophia Possibly the most iconic mosque in Istanbul captured on millions of holiday snaps and even the opening sequence of Bond blockbuster Skyfall, the‘ Church of Holy Wisdom’ is more than fourteen hundred years old and a breathless vision when seeing it for
The Haghia Sophia the time. Even though this is a day tour it is well worth waiting until dusk just to see this architectural gem lit up with its red and yellow stucco brickwork and minarets shimmering against a dark sky.
A Byzantine masterpiece and originally built over two earlier churches the Haghia Sophia was converted into a mosque by the Ottomans in the 15 th Century. No matter what your religion, simply being in the presence of such manmade beauty can be an emotional experience for many.
Special features Three mausoleums are open to the public and the Nave is a staggering vast space covered by a huge 184ft dome. Famous for its Byzantine mosaics the most impressive being the apse dominated by a large glittering portrait of the‘ Virgin with Infant Jesus on Her Lap’
A short stroll from the Haghia Sophia through the leafy Sultanahmet Square( Meydani) takes you to the most venerable monument – The Blue Mosque.
For a moment though take a break in this idyllic pit stop full of fauna and flora and sit by the central ornate fountain, before you start out on further exploration of a mosque that requires a good hour to take in its magnificent detail and beauty.
The Blue Mosque( Sultan Ahmed Mosque) Taking its popular name from the beautiful blue Iznik tiles that decorate the mosque’ s inner walls this is one of the most important and famous religious buildings in the world. Nothing will prepare you for the mesmeric design and opulence of this stunning religious palace which was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet and built between 1609-16.
The extravagance of the building initially caused hostility, mainly because its six minarets( four were the norm) were considered sacrilegious. The‘ blue’ is really a misnomer as the subtle detail of the Iznik tiles renders the mosque more a light bluegrey-white rather than the kind of shimmering blue hue we expect of a pacific island.
The mosque is at its most beautiful and magical at dusk, subtly lit and a shimmering contrast against a dramatic early evening sky. It’ s well worth hanging around an extra hour to experience the moment.
Special features The Iznik tiles( all 20,000) that adorn the mosque. Also, the view of the Domes – a cascade of domes and semi domes that make a striking sight when viewed from the courtyard.
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