Visit to the mosque

The "Blue Mosque", as it is known to westerners, is a very famous site that was first on my to do list.




You enter through this gate with a chain that has some particular significance.


The entry into the courtyard


Before entering the mosque women were required to cover their heads and shoulders. I had my own scarf, but they had big blue scarves you could use and also smock like dresses you could wear if your clothes were too immodest. Everyone had to remove your shoes and place them in a plastic bag which you either carried with you or left on a shelf provided for that purpose.


The minarets were equipped with loud speakers to broadcast the call to prayer twice a day (I think). It was loud. You could hear it everywhere.


Here's me in the mosque. There were no prayers going on at the time.


Tips guy must have been wearing shorts because he has a blue sheet around him.



The fountains outside were beautifully lit at night.


Another day we happened upon a different mosque that allowed tourists and was about to have. Prayer service. Outside is an area where the men wash their feet. It's part of the prayer ritual I believe.



We were allowed to stay during the prayer service at this mosque (in a special area). Barb and I agreed this was one of the highlights of our visit to Istanbul.

Location:Istanbul