A guide to saying it correctly
How to Pronounce Blue Mosque
Pronounced 'bloo mask,' this iconic Istanbul landmark is officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
blue mosque
BLOO MASK
/blu ˈmɑsk/ · blu · MASK
Native US English · Kokoro neural TTS · 0:01
This term is commonly used in travel guides, news reports about Istanbul, and general conversation when referring to the famous mosque. It's a widely recognized nickname, though its official name is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque.
Where the word comes from
The name 'Blue Mosque' comes from the tens of thousands of blue İznik tiles that adorn its interior walls. It was built between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Sultan Ahmed I.
Common ways people get it wrong
- blu MO-sk The second syllable rhymes with 'task' or 'mask,' not 'desk' or 'husk'.
Frequently asked
Is it called the Blue Mosque or Sultan Ahmed Mosque?
Its official name is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque. However, it's very commonly known as the Blue Mosque due to the extensive blue tilework inside.
Where is the Blue Mosque located?
The Blue Mosque is located in Istanbul, Turkey, in the Sultanahmet district, near the Hagia Sophia.
Why is it called the Blue Mosque?
It earned the nickname 'Blue Mosque' because of the thousands of hand-painted blue Iznik tiles that decorate its interior walls and domes.
