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One of the highlights of Istanbul, the huge and magnificent early 17th century Blue Mosque (also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque) is a stunning visual extravaganza inside and out. it is considered the last great mosque of the classical period. Istanbul (formerly known as Constantinople and Byzantium) is one of the most historically fascinating of all cities, and the Blue Mosque is a good starting point. It is situated next to the Hippodrome, site of Roman chariot races and featuring a 1500 BC Egyptian obelisk brought to Constantinopolis by Emperor Theodosius in the 4th century AD. The bronze Spiral Column dates from 500 BC, when it stood in front of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi; it was brought to the Hippodrome by Constantine in 330 AD and later suffered damage when the Crusaders sacked Constantinople. Across the central park from the Blue Mosque is even mightier structure of Hagia Sophia (Church of Wisdom). Built on the orders of Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, for over a millennium this was the world’s largest church. It was converted into a mosque after the Ottoman conquest in the 14th century, and is now a museum.

Written by  Mike Lyvers.

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