Built: Construction began in 1609 and was completed in 1616.

Founder: Commissioned by Sultan Ahmed I.

Architect: Sedefkâr Mehmed Ağa, a student of the famous Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan.

Historical Importance: Built to reassert Ottoman power and Islamic presence after military defeats.

Notable Events:

• Still an active mosque and a major tourist attraction.

• Famous for its stunning blue İznik tiles and six minarets.

• Underwent restorations in the 20th and 21st centuries.

City: Istanbul

Country: Turkey

Eid al-Fitr (Ramazan Bayramı)

Eid al-Adha (Kurban Bayramı)

Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet Muhammad’s Birthday)

Ramadan (the month of fasting is widely observed)

Islam was introduced to Anatolia (modern-day Turkey) in the 7th century during early Muslim conquests.

Became dominant with the rise of the Seljuk Empire in the 11th century.

The Ottoman Empire (1299–1922) made Islam the state religion and spread it widely.

Istanbul (formerly Constantinople) became a major Islamic center after its conquest in 1453.

Clemmons, Nancy. Exploring the Religions of Our World. Ave Maria Press, 1999, pp. 136–147.

Freely, John. Blue Guide Istanbul. W. W. Norton & Company, 2011.

“Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmed Mosque).” Encyclopedia Britannica, www.britannica.com/place/Blue-Mosque.

“Sultan Ahmed Mosque.” ArchNet, www.archnet.org/sites/2026.