Its central dome hangs 72 meters above the ground, representing the 72 nations living in the city. The second dome -- with a diameter of 34 meters -- represents Istanbul's official license number.
Sixteen names of Allah are inscribed on the inner walls of the dome, symbolizing the number of states founded by Turks throughout history.
A three-piece finial sits on the main dome, weighing 4.5 tons and at a height of 7.77 meters and is the largest of its kind.
On the mosque floor, a specially designed 17,000-square-meter hand-woven carpet has been rolled out upon which sits the 21-meter minbar, a pulpit where sermons are delivered on Fridays and religious festivals.
