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The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque, was completed in 1617 just prior to the untimely death of its then 27-year-old eponymous patron, Sultan Ahmet I. The mosque dominates Istanbul's majestic skyline with its elegant composition of ascending domes and six slender soaring minarets.

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The language spoken in Turkey is Turkish. 90% of people in Turkey know and speak Turkish. Over 70 other languages are also spoken in Turkey.

Turkey uses a form of government called Republican Parliamentary Democracy. There are three branches of government: Judicial, Legislative, and Executive. The power of the country is shared by the central government and the people.

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The branch is Sunni Muslim. It is also the first mosque to have 6 minarets. The architect deliberately misheard Sultan Ahmet when asked to build golden minarets. The Turkish word for gold is altın, but he thought that was a bit over the top and built 6

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According to the Turkish government, 99 percent of the population is Muslim

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Ramadan: Muslims start fasting. The ritual entails abstaining from food, drink, smoking, and marital relations from dawn until sunset.

Anniversary of the Anzac campaign: a festival to pay respect to the fallen Turkish soldiers who died during World War I.

Efes Pilsen One Love Festival: music festival that includes rock, pop, folk and electronica music

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The history of Islam concerns the political, social, economic, military, and cultural developments of the Islamic civilization. Most historiansbelieve that Islam originated with Muhammad's mission in Mecca and Medina at the start of the 7th century CE, although Muslims regard this time as a return to the original faith passed down by the Abrahamic prophets, such as Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus, with the submission to the will of God.

Expansion and Division

632–661 CE: Rashidun Caliphate

Abu Bakr: The first caliph, who consolidates control over the Arabian Peninsula.

Umar ibn al-Khattab: Expands the empire into the Byzantine and Sassanian territories.

Uthman ibn Affan: Compiles the Qur'an into a single book. His rule faces increasing internal dissent.

Ali ibn Abi Talib: Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, whose leadership is marked by internal strife and the First Fitna.

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↓ 360° VR Sultan Ahmed Blue Mosque Virtual Tour Walking in Istanbul Turkey 5K ⋆ VR4Holiday

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Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Turkish: Sultan Ahmet Camii; also known as the Blue Mosque) is a historic mosque located in Istanbul, Turkey. It remains a functioning mosque, while also attracting large numbers of tourist visitors. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I.

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“Islam.” Exploring the Religions of Our World, by Nancy Clemmons, Ave Maria Press, 1999, pp.

136-147.

U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of State, www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/turkey/. Accessed 29 July 2024.

“8 Popular Festivals & Events in Turkey: Intrepid Travel.” 8 Popular Festivals & Events in Turkey | Intrepid Travel US, www.intrepidtravel.com/us/turkey/festivals-in-turkey. Accessed 29 July 2024.