The city’s mosques nurture their communities, exhibit art and craftsmanship, and many of them honor the longstanding tradition of welcoming outsiders to witness the practices of Islam’s faithful
” in his honor and known as such until 1930 when it was officially renamed Istanbul, the city’s historic Turkish name. When the Roman Empire split in 395, the city became the capital of the Eastern Roman Empire and a hub of Christianity—until Ottoman Sultan
Mosques were often named after the patron who funded them, and the structure’s grand presence became a physical expression of the caused something of a scandal by breaking another rule, which was that only sultans who were successful in war should build grand mosques. is one of the most iconic buildings in the world, with an astounding total of six minarets. Four centuries later, it remains Ahmed’s most notable legacy.In addition to gathering the faithful, Istanbul’s mosques showcase works of beauty and feats of engineering to people from around the world.