Count Amadeo Preziosi (Maltese, 1816-1882)

This is a view of the south-western side of the Sultanahmet Camii, or mosque of Sultan Ahmed I, popularly known as the Blue Mosque. It was built between 1609 and 1616, to the designs of the royal architect Sedefhar Mehmet Aa, who was a pupil and senior assistant of the famous architect Mimar Sinan. It is the only mosque in Istanbul with six minarets, and its impressive size and memorable interior explain why many artists, including Preziosi, were often commissioned to record it.