By: Elizabeth LaPlace

THE BLUE MOSQUE

BLUE MOSQUE HISTORY…….

QUICK FACTS

• Even thought the main entrance is obviously bigger, and grander, non-worshipers are asked to use the north entrance to keep the main one intact.

• The mosque was once lit with 262 windows that at one point were stain-glass windows, but had to be replaced to have better ones made for it.

The Blue Mosque was made in Istanbul during the early 1600’s for an Ottoman sultan. It might be a little confusing at first because from the front, there is not a hint of blue on the outside, but on the inside it is very clear why it is called The Blue Mosque. It discouraged many people at that time because it had six minarets, instead of four, and a lot of citizens thought that they were trying to outdo the mosque built in Mecca.

MOSQUE ARCHITECTURE…….

• Minarets were the tall towers where Muslims were called to prayer. They are a very common feature for mosques. Most only have four, but The Blue Mosque was built with six.

Domes were very commonly used in the making of these mosques, or just Islamic architecture in general. Enormous columns were put in the center, not just to look pretty, but to hold up the center of the dome. Around three hundred windows were put in to let the light shine down from the dome, into the mosque.

BLUE MOSQUE TILES……..

• The rare and beautiful Iznik tiles can be found in many different galleries and on the north wall, above the main entrance. • Some of the tiles have a less delicate and intricate designs were made in Kutahya.

The mosque gets its name from its beautiful, endless amount of blue Iznik tiles all over it. It has around 20,000 tiles that line the high ceiling. The oldest of the tiles mimic the 16th century Iznik design of flowers, trees and abstract patterns.

THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!