What is prayer call? Muezzin (a person who calls the believers to prayer from a minaret) chants over a loudspeaker from the top of the mosque, and a moment later, the responding prayer is heard from the opposite side. This is a praying duet of two muezzins: from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, performing the so-called ezan, or call to prayer.
Not many know about this enchanting, divine conversation, and are pleasantly surprised when they accidentally happen to find themselves between the holy places of worship. Ezan is recited five times per day, so one might definitely find the suitable time to rest in the park and enjoy the musical prayer.
The exact times of the ezan change every day based on sunrise and sunset times. Each call to prayer lasts for about ten minutes, so try to find out the exact time on the day you are planning to be in the area not to miss this experience.
Practical info
What is the prayer call between Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia?
The duet prayer call consists of a musical conversation between two muezzins, one from Hagia Sophia and the other from the Blue Mosque. This call to prayer is recited five times every day and lasts approximately ten minutes. It is a unique and divine experience, where both holy places sing alternate prayer calls to create a surreal and melodic atmosphere. Show more
How does the duet prayer call work?
The duet consists of a call to prayer that is performed from the minarets of the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Both muezzins chant over a loudspeaker, and the calls are heard from opposite directions creating a unique musical conversation. This offers a rare opportunity to witness a melodic coexistence of two different cultures' religious practices in Istanbul's serene area of Sultanahmet. Show more
When does the prayer call happen?
The prayer call occurs five times a day, based on sunrise and sunset times. The timing of the duet changes every day and takes place at dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset, and nightfall. Each call lasts approximately ten minutes. Visitors can confirm the exact time of the prayer calls on the day they plan to be in Sultanahmet and witness this beautiful experience. Show more
Where can I witness this prayer conversation?
Sultanahmet in Istanbul is the location where you can witness the prayer conversation between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. Visitors can have the unique experience of witnessing this duet prayer call from various locations, restaurants, hotels, cafes, and the park located between both mosques, where they can relax and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Show more
How long does the prayer call last?
Each prayer call, including the duet prayer call between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, lasts about ten minutes. The beautiful and surreal experience occurs in the serene area of Sultanahmet, where both holy places sing alternate prayer calls. To avoid missing this unique experience, visitors should check the exact timing of the prayer calls on the day they plan to be in the area. Show more
