Inside the Blue Mosque: A Look at Its Stunning Interior

The Grand Domes & Architectural Design

One of the most breathtaking features inside the Blue Mosque is its central dome, soaring 43 meters high with a 23.5-meter diameter. This cascading dome structure, supported by four massive “Elephant Foot” pillars, creates an immense sense of space and harmony.

At the center of the main dome, intricate golden inscriptions encircle the interior, featuring Quranic verses written in elegant Thuluth script. These inscriptions enhance the spiritual atmosphere, drawing the eye upward toward the dome’s divine symmetry.

Best Spot: Stand directly under the main dome to experience its overwhelming size and perfect symmetry, framed by the surrounding semi-domes.

The Blue Iznik Tiles

The Blue Mosque gets its name from the 21,043 handmade Iznik tiles, crafted in the renowned workshops of Iznik. Featuring over 50 intricate patterns, these tiles showcase:

Deep blue floral and geometric patterns
Calligraphy featuring Quranic verses
Intricate designs inspired by nature

The blue Iznik tiles were chosen not just for their beauty but for their spiritual symbolism. In Islamic culture, blue represents the sky and heaven, creating a serene atmosphere for worship.

Tip: The best spot to view the tiles is near the upper galleries and central prayer hall.

Calligraphy & Quranic Inscriptions

The Blue Mosque’s interior is adorned with masterful Arabic calligraphy, showcasing the finest Islamic script work of the Ottoman period. Created by the renowned calligrapher Seyyid Kasim Gubari, the inscriptions include:

- Quranic verses decorating the arches and domes
- Names of Prophet Muhammad and the first four caliphs inscribed in gold
- Large medallions with elegant Thuluth script

Must-See Spot: The arches leading to the central dome, where calligraphy meets architecture in perfect harmony.

Stained Glass Windows

The mosque’s 260 stained-glass windows filter natural light into the interior, creating an ethereal glow. Originally crafted with Venetian glass, these windows were once the finest in the Ottoman Empire.

The windows are decorated with floral and arabesque designs, complementing the rich blue Iznik tiles below them.

Best Viewpoint: Standing under the main dome, looking toward the mihrab, captures the interplay of light through the colorful glass.

The Grand Mihrab & Minbar

At the heart of the mosque stands the mihrab (prayer niche), a beautifully carved white marble niche indicating the direction of Mecca. This is where prayers are led, making it the most spiritually significant part of the interior.

Next to it is the minbar, an elegantly designed pulpit from which the imam delivers sermons. Both the mihrab and minbar feature exquisite Ottoman-era gold inlays and floral motifs, showcasing the intricate artistry of Islamic architecture.

The Royal Kiosk (Hünkar Mahfili)

The Royal Kiosk (Hünkar Mahfili) is an elevated, intricately decorated chamber where Ottoman sultans and their families observed prayers in privacy. Positioned in the mosque's northwestern corner, this exclusive space symbolized the sultan’s spiritual authority while providing a secluded area for worship.

Adorned with marble latticework, carved wood, and Iznik tiles, the kiosk also features a dedicated mihrab (prayer niche) for the sultan. A hidden passageway once connected it to Topkapi Palace, allowing the ruler to enter discreetly.