Are the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque the same thing?

Hagia Sophia represents the Christian Byzantine Empire, while the Blue Mosque embodies the Islamic Ottoman era. Visiting both offers a deep dive into Istanbul's diverse religious and architectural heritage.

What is Hagia Sophia called now?

Hagia Sophia is not, in fact, the only name that the structure has gone by. Even now it's known by several different monikers: Ayasofya in Turkish, Sancta Sophia in Latin, and Holy Wisdom or Divine Wisdom in English (alternate English translations of the Greek words Hagia Sophia).

Can you walk from Hagia Sophia to Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque is just a 2-minute walk from the Hagia Sophia. How to reach? Take a B1 train or M1A or M2 metro to Sirkeci Station and then walk down to the mosque. You can also take a bus to Akbiyik- Eminonu (Sahil) Yonu or Sultanahmet stops, or a T1 tram to Cemberlitas tram station.

What is the Blue Mosque in Istanbul also called?

The Blue Mosque, officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii), is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey.

Is Blue Mosque worth going inside?

Is it worth going inside the Blue Mosque Istanbul? Absolutely, the Blue Mosque's interior is one of the most breathtaking examples of Ottoman architecture. With its iconic domes, Iznik tilework, and spiritual ambiance, stepping inside offers a unique blend of history, art, and faith.

Why Hagia Sophia is So Important? The Whole History is Explained

Which is better to visit, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque?

Hagia Sophia will appeal to history lovers and architecture buffs fascinated by religious convergence. Blue Mosque, on the other hand, is perfect for those seeking an authentic Islamic experience in a working mosque.

Why is the Blue Mosque so special?

It is notable for the fact that it has six minarets (tall, thin towers from which muezzins call Muslims to prayer), as most mosques have five, and for its blue interior, tiled with Iznik ceramic tiles made of ceramic from Turkey's Anatolia region.

Can I wear shorts in Blue Mosque?

Both men and women must avoid wearing shorts. Women should also cover their heads with a scarf. Is there a restroom at the Blue Mosque? Yes, there are restrooms available for visitors at the Blue Mosque.

Which is bigger, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque?

Although at first sight it seems to have similar dimensions to the Hagia Sophia, in reality, it measures about half its size.

Who is buried in the Blue Mosque?

The türbe (tomb) of Sultan Ahmet I, the Blue Mosque's great patron, is on the north side of the mosque facing Sultanahmet Park. Ahmet, who had ascended to the imperial throne aged 13, died in 1617 aged only 27; his türbe was constructed between 1617 and 1619 and like the mosque, features fine İznik tiles.

Is it free to enter Hagia Sophia?

Admission Fee: €25 for all visitors, including Turkish citizens and foreigners who have a legal residence permit in Turkey. The first floor is free for Turks; the second floor (the gallery floor) is 25 euros for local and foreign tourists. Children younger than 8 are allowed in for free.

What to see in Istanbul for free?

Can you wear socks in Hagia Sophia?

Footwear: Shoes must be removed before entering the mosque. Wear socks or bring an extra pair to keep your feet covered. Avoid Transparent Clothing: Avoid wearing clothing that is see-through or overly revealing.

What do Turks call Hagia Sophia?

Turkish people call it Aya Sofya. It's a former Byzantine church and former Ottoman mosque. It is one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. The first church of Hagia Sophia was built on the same site in the 4th century by Constantine the Great and renovated by his son Constantinus II in 360 AD.

What to wear to Hagia Sophia?

How to Visit. Even as a functioning mosque, Hagia Sophia welcomes visitors, but respectful attire is required. Women should wear long skirts or pants and cover their hair, while men should also wear long pants. For those who don't have appropriate clothing, skirts and scarves are available for rent.

Can Christians pray in Hagia Sophia?

It has also guaranteed that Hagia Sofia will remain open for everyone and all faiths and that the priceless Christian mosaics, frescos and icons will not be whitewashed or damaged but only covered by curtains during Islamic prayers.

Who paid for the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet I, the Ottoman Empire's sultan between 1603 and 1617. War bounty was typically used to fund large-scale projects like this, but the Sultan chose to use treasury funds to finance the building, since the Ottomans had not recently claimed victory in a war.

What are the inside walls of Blue Mosque covered with?

The Blue Mosque interiors are filled with İznik tiles. These tiles adorn all its walls, pillars, and domes. These hand-painted tiles feature intricate floral patterns, geometric designs, and calligraphy.

Can Muslims go to Hagia Sophia?

Foreign nationality Muslims should enter the mosque's praying area from main gate which is at Hagia Sophia Square (Ayasofya Meydanı) before prayer times for pray salah. Please kindly note that praying area of the mosque is closed to visit for daily cleaning and maintenance purposes from morning prayer untill 10:00 AM.

What is bigger, Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque?

Outside of the Topkapi is the Blue Mosque, a mosque built by Sultan Ahmet I who was only 12 when he became the Sultan. In 1609 at the age of 18 he hired an architect to build a mosque greater than the Hagia Sophia. It is a beautiful mosque, and has the unique feature of six minarets - the most of any we saw.

Is there a fee to enter Blue Mosque?

As the Blue Mosque operates as a mosque, there is no admission fee to enter.

Who is buried in Al Aqsa?

Ubadah ibn Samit (RA)

Once retired, he returned to Jerusalem and served as its Judge. This amazing Sahabi is buried in Bab al-Rahmah Cemetery to the immediate East of Masjid al-Aqsa.

What is an interesting fact about the Blue Mosque?

The Blue Mosque is not the official name of the iconic landmark. It is originally called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, named after Ahmed I, the Sultan of the Ottoman Empire from 1603 to 1617. He commissioned its construction in 1609, thus the name Sultan Ahmed Mosque.

Why is Blue Mosque called Blue?

The Blue Mosque dates back to the 17th century and is named after the blue tiles that cover its interior walls. The tiles were made in Iznik, a city in Turkey that was known for its pottery. There are over 20,000 tiles in the mosque, decorated with floral designs and calligraphy.