There are a lot of little Hagia Sophia's all over Istanbul, it's as if after they saw Justinian's building all of the architect's were cowed by the design of Isidoros and Anthemios. And when you consider that it only took 5 years to build, maybe it was more a matter of time...they didn't want to reinvent the wheel. What they did do was refine the model and the Sultanahmet Mosque sits across from the Hagia Sophia as a smaller more elegant copy. Built from 1609-1616 during the rule of Ahmet I it is commonly called the Blue Mosque because of the beautiful blue tiles that adorn the interior.
The main courtyard
Walking into the Blue Mosque
The pendentives and semi domes
The dome with it's elegant decoration.
Looking at the semi domes.
Beautiful Iznik tiles that look like carpets.
One of the many piers tiled with marble and Iznik tile.
Balconies run along the facade.
The private garden...yes, I snuck in!
Looking at the front of the Blue Mosque with it's minarets.
I suggest that you go see the mosque if you're in Istanbul, however it gets very crowded and it's an active mosque which means that it may be closed during some parts of the day......I will also warn you, it smells like feet! too many of them....I went in, took my pics and ran out.....FAST.
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