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The Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

Outside the Blue Mosque
Outside the Blue Mosque

After having been followed by a man from Hagia Sofia who seemed upset that I had taken a photo of his cat, I arrived at the Blue Mosque. Because this is a place of worship it is necessary to wear a scarf on your head and conservative clothing (legs and arms covered). Non-Muslims cannot enter through the same entrance as Muslims so I went to the appropriate place. Shoes must be removed and plastic bags are available to carry your shoes with you.  

Inside the Blue Mosque
Inside the Blue Mosque

The Mosque was built between 1606 and 1616 and is known as the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles inside the building. It is quite beautiful and peaceful inside. There were some people still praying even though prayer time had finished.

Over the entrance inside the Blue Mosque
Over the entrance inside the Blue Mosque

The official name of the mosque is Sultanahmet Camii – Camii meaning Mosque in Turkish.

One of the domes inside the Blue Mosque
One of the domes inside the Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey
Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

I didn’t take too long at this place – may be half an hour. Once you are inside it is a matter of looking around in the one large room, soaking in the atmosphere and reverence and then moving on.

Tiling in the Blue Mosque
Tiling in the Blue Mosque

I found it very interesting and am glad I went. By the way women don’t pray in the same area as the men. There is an area at the back of the Mosque where women were praying. Also you cannot go into the mosque during prayer times.

The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque
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