Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, officially the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is a 17th-century historical mosque in Istanbul, Turkiye, known for its blue Iznik tiles. It is a significant religious and cultural landmark, attracting tourists and worshippers alike. The mosque is newsworthy due to Pope Leo XIV's visit in November 2025, his first to a Muslim place of worship since becoming Pope. During his visit, Pope Leo toured the mosque, observing its architecture and Islamic inscriptions. He bowed upon entering but did not participate in prayer, focusing instead on fostering ecumenical ties, particularly with Orthodox patriarchs. The visit underscores the Blue Mosque's continued relevance as a symbol of interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange.