The Blue Mosque by brewgirlca
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Description
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, in Old Istanbul, is commonly called the Blue Mosque because of its rich blue interior tile and not its subtle blue exterior trim. It was built by Sultan Ahmed I between 1609 and 1616, so it is about 400 years old.
Many people think that the Byzantine and Muslim cultures were completley seperate and when Constantinople was conquered it all changed to Muslim/Ottoman. Nothing could be further from the truth. The two cultures existed side by side, traded with each and exchanged ideas for probably 100s of years before the conquest. And Byzantine culture continued to play a huge role after the fall of Constantinople.
Thus the Blue Mosque, considered to be the last great mosque of the Ottoman Classical Period was largely influenced by its next door neighbor, the Hagia Sophia - the Byzantine Empire's greatest church. The large dome of the Blue Mosque was inspired by the dome of Hagia Sophia; except the Ottoman designer was more skillful and built an interior free of colonnades. This allowed more windows and thus a greater play with light and shadow. The interior has a mystical airy quality that is unlike any other building in the world. It is a magnificent structure.
Comments (29)
Faemike55
Very beautiful capture and explanation/discussion. is this the Mosque that one can hear the whispers of others? (I seem to recall that there is either a Mosque or cathedral where one can listen to the whispers of the faithful)
4udreamcatcher
Beautiful shot ..... its as if you can feel the essence of the place ...... :O-)
nitegrafix
Very nice work, good job.
SidheRoseGraphics
This is an awesome shot of this amazing mosque, Roxy. Thank you for all the information, as well! Both places should be included in 'wonders of the world' imo, for they are incredible homages to human ingenuity and archtecture.
mikeerson
magnificent looking building!
Tracesl
great looking scene, excellent
0rest4wicked
Just love the setting, a perfect POV!
magnus073
What an epic capture Roxy, and I very much enjoyed the detailed history you provided
barryjeffer
You always bring us the most awesome images Roxy, and without fail you also give us the information that makes these places the true wonders they are. This is beautiful in ways that a photo can't reveal. thanks, Seth
3dpoetry
Brilliant photography
photosynthesis
Beautiful architecture. I'm wondering if there's a way to get a more complete view of it (unobscured by trees)?
brewgirlca
@photosynthesis. Not possible unless you are in the courtyard, and thus you have cannot capture the entire structure. It is built into a heavily treed park that completely surrounds the building. I have looked at dozens of photos and every one has trees in it. The trees are an integral part of it being the Blue Mosque.
eekdog Online Now!
400 years, so amazing and still in excellent condition. i can only imagine the stories it could tell if it could.
Yuroven
been there. Mullahs got speakers...great pic
whaleman
I hope you managed to get some photos of the inside! Would love to see that blue interior.
renecyberdoc
amazing indeed.
bobrgallegos
Great capture of this beautiful Mosque and very interesting narrative!!
Dreamdesigner
wonderful capture Roxy,Thank you on behalf of my country for the detailed and objective historical information my friend:-))But what a shame!We can not build buildings no longer strong enough to withstand 400 years!!Thank you again...:-)
odile
Nice shot! It reminds me of my recent vacation. We spent five days in Istanbul and fell in love with the busy city( and my daughter fell in love with a charming young man ! :D )
Mondwin
Looks really superbly my dear!!!Bravissima!V:DDD.Bugsxx Whylma
vitachick
Beautiful clear capture!
adrie
This is indeed a amzing capture Roxy.
MineFujiko
Beautiful work!!
alanwilliams
such an elegant beauty, in an equally beautiful setting
drifterlee
Very beautiful building and shot!!!!!
JuliSonne
With the old architecture is it with the images of the old master painting. They are timeless!! The contemporary art is fast paced . Hardly noticed, they are already outdated. Today, art is a puzzle piece. Formerly it was considered as a unit. This mosque is a true work of art and is still enjoyed by many generations, no matter what faith you have. Thanks for the detailed info! Excellent pic, Roxy
RodS Online Now!
Wow - your composition here is outstanding, Roxy! It is a beautiful building, and you have a superb capture of it - just beautiful!
art-digital
magnifique photo
adorety
Beautiful scene from this angle. Sorry for the delay. The hurricane knocked me out for two weeks here.