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THE BLUE MOSQUE

ISTANBUL, TURKEY

Image Number 553a

The Blue Mosque was the grand project of Sultan Ahmet I (r 1603–17), whose tomb is located on the north side of the site. The mosque's wonderfully curvaceous exterior features a cascade of domes and slender minarets. Blue İznik tiles adorn the interior and give the building its unofficial but commonly used name. The tiles number in the tens of thousands, there are 260 windows and the central prayer space is huge. The mosque is such a popular attraction that admission is controlled so as to preserve its sacred atmosphere. Only worshippers are admitted through the main door; tourists must use the south door 

TECHNICAL NOTES

The image was taken with a tripod mounted Phase One 645 Camera at ISO 50. Exposure of 1/320th of a second and aperture F8.   150mm Schneider Kreuznach lens with focal plane shutter.   The image was captured on a Phase One IQ180 80 megapixel digital back.