Background Information:
Istanbul airport is the third largest in terms of flights and passengers within Europe. It is quite close to the historical city centre of Istanbul, which is home to the iconic Blue Mosque. This mosque was built in 1616 during and Ottoman era by the architect Sedefkar Mehmed Aga, and is considered as one of the city’s main monuments and tourist attractions.
Relevant Data
The Blue Mosque is located in the heart of the city, in the Sultanahmet district, and it is at a distance of only 16 km away from Istanbul airport. This is a fairly short distance for travellers who want to enjoy a quick tour or visit of the mosque before heading to their next destination. It is estimated that a taxi ride will take approximately 22 minutes, depending on the time of day and the traffic situation. Moreover, there is a metro line that can easily take the travellers from the airport to the Blue Mosque in just about 15 minutes. So, it is conveniently located within easy reach.
Experts´ Perspectives
Hotel managers in the area often recommend their foreign guests to take a visit to the Blue Mosque. They recognize that this is an excellent opportunity to see the majestic building, learn a little bit more about its rich history, this culture of Istanbul and take some beautiful pictures during their stay. Moreover, they provide this advice as they believe it can be done closer to the airport, and at no extra expenses. This short distance is convenient for travellers who must leave the city next day or within the same day.
Insights and Analysis
The Blue Mosque is in one of the most beautiful corners of Istanbul, and it would be a shame not to take a small detour before leaving the city. It is a great place to explore and contemplate, to take a few memorable pictures, and to appreciate the beauty of an old monument within a modern city. Travellers should reserve at least an hour to visit the mosque and its surroundings, so they can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, observe other tourists, and get lost in the amazing architecture, colours and shapes of the mosque.
Educating and Engaging the Reader
Before visiting the mosque, it is suitable to have some interesting information related to the history of the place. That will provide some context when looking at the building, and it will make it easier to appreciate the details and understand the importance of this monument. By providing these perspectives, the tour can be enriched, and the visits to the Blue Mosque become more meaningful.
Exploring Popular Attractions
The Blue Mosque is not only an iconic building but it is also part of some of the most visited popular attractions in Istanbul. It is surrounded by other tourist attractions such as the Basilica Cistern, the Hagia Sophia, and Topklapi Palace. During the visit of the mosque, travellers can enjoy other sights such as a natural park, palaces, and museums. These places are worth visiting and serve as perfect examples of the amazing cultural heritage that Istanbul has to offer.
Discovering the Culture & Cuisine
Besides the architecture, visitors can take a long look at the culture and cuisine of Istanbul. This city has one of the richest and most flavoursome meals in the world. Its street food offers a great variety of appetizing dishes, and its restaurants are well renowned in the country. Visitors can find a wide range of traditional restaurants that offer delicious meals, and explore the flavours of the local cuisine during their visit to the mosque.
Being a Responsible Visitor
It is important to remember that the Blue Mosque is a holy place, with a long emotional history. Visitors should treat it with respect, be mindful of the architecture and the believers, and avoid making loud noises that can disturb those who are praying. Moreover, as photography is not allowed inside the building, visitors should avoid capturing images of those who are praying inside the mosque or doing other activities.
Gaining an Appreciation of the Religion
Those who take a visit to the mosque have the chance of understanding the religion in a more personal way. They can engage in conversations with other believers and inquire about their beliefs and customs. By doing so, the visitors can appreciate the importance of the religion within the society, gain an insight of how it works, and get a new perspective of the world. This can also become a great way to build a connection with the locals.
