Sultan Ahmed Mosque

Sultan Ahmed Masjid

Question#1Why is the Sultan Ahmed Masjid also known as blue Masjid?

Sultan Ahmed Masjid is known as the blue mosque because of the blue tiles that embellish its interior. It is named after Sapphire Hue that pervades is decoration.

Question#2 What was the purpose of hanging a heavy iron chain at the entrance of court? 

 A heavy iron chain was hung at the entrance of the court so that the Sultan had to lower his head every time he enter the court. It was symbol to ensure the humility of the ruler in the face of Divine Power.

 Question#3 Who was appointed as the architect of the mosque? 

 Sedefhar Mehmet Aga is recorded as the “Ottoman architect” of the Sultan Ahmed Masjid in Istanbul. He was of Albanian origin. 

 Question#4 How does the interior of Masjid look? 

 The interior gives a complete bluish look with blue tiles and paint. The gallery also gives bright and beautiful designs of fruit flowers and Cypress trees. The most important element in the interior is the Mihrab, made of finely covered marble.It also has richly decorated pulpit. 

 Question#5 Why do you think the Madrassah and hospice were part of Masjid?

 Madrassah and hospice were usually built with Masjid in that area. Madrassah was built so that students could get education of Islam and it was a tradition of that age that hospice was also built to accommodate travelers. 

 Question#Who constructed Masjid Sophia? 

 Hagia Sophia,previously a Greek orthodox Cathedral, was converted into a mosque by an Ottoman caliph “Mehmet the Conqueror”.He named it as masjid Sophia.