|
|
|
The "Blue Mosque" (aka Sultan Ahmet Camii)
This will be another inevitable stop on your tour of Istanbul, but if you don't have it in your itinerary, then be sure to put it in, as you don't want to miss seeing the interior of this interesting structure. Built between 1607-1617 by Sultan Ahmet (whose name gives the surrounding district its name) this mosque was the Sultan's "answer" to the Aya Sofia. The massive dome and interior is cut with beautiful stained glass windows and should be seen in the early morning. There is a courtyard inside with Ottoman and Muslim features such as an ancient sundial for both telling the time and telling the prayer times, a fountain, and a prayer area as well. The mosque gets its English name from the number of blue tiles that compose its interior and exterior, giving it an interesting blue-green shimmer. It is the only six-minaret mosque in Istanbul (one of those quip-tip-factoids that tourists crave). Inside there is a large "mihrab" or area indicating the direction of the holy city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia (all Muslims must face Mecca when performing their prayers). The mosque is actually still a mosque, and is closed during prayer times (for short periods) and for longer periods on Fridays (the Muslim holy day) when prayer sermons usually last longer. There are incredible chandeliers lighting the interior with thousands of little candles, and the temperature inside is fairly cool and dark. The inside looks great (like the Aya Sofya) in the morning, and the exterior looks incredible after dark, when it is illuminated by outdoor lights (don't miss the evening light shows which take place in the park in different languages). As it is a functioning mosque, you should dress conservatively, no short pants or skirts or tank tops, and must take off your shoes before entering (there is an area to store them, don't wear your $4000 ones). People may be praying even on the non-prayer times, so please be respectful and keep your flashes and talking to a minimum. There is no entrance fee. <---return to Sultanahmet District for Visitors
for inquiries and comments (non-commercial only please): go.mideast @ yahoo.comCopyright ©2003-2008 gomideast.com unless otherwise credited |
|
