Blue Mosque, Istanbul (Blue Mosque)

Member Name: llamass

Product:	Blue Mosque
Date:	22/05/09 (11 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Beautiful and

Disadvantages: extremely touristy

The Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) is justifiably one of the principle attractions of Istanbul and it is almost inconcievable that as a tourist you wouldn't visit. Of course this means that visit may well involve being surrounded by hoards of other visiters and people trying to make money by selling stuff to them. However, ignore this and the mosque makes it more than worthwhile.

The Blue Mosque is named for the blue tiling inside which has 20,000 blue tiles covering the domes, walls and floor which make for an amazing sight. Characteristic of mosques, the interior has ornate arab script and prayer mats set up in the direction of Mecca. The largest of the rooms is truely spectacular and if you can ignore the millions of other people around you and float away then it is possible to glimpse the magical, mystical atmosphere of the place.

Entrance to the mosque is free but a donation is asked for at the exit. Tickets are given out for the value of the donation and this ensures that the money should go back into the upkeep of the wonderful building itself.

Lastly, bear in mind that this is a functioning mosque and as such a religious building. As in all mosques you will be asked to remove your shoes and be respectful in attitude and appearance (as a personal point to those who complain about this, walking around a church, synagogue or temple also usually requires a respectful appearance). Women should dress conservatively, cleavage, shoulders and legs covered and taking a scarf to use as a headcover is advisavble. When I was there many female tourists didn't bother to wear their headscarf when in the mosque but I would encourage others not to follow the trend. Signs are up saying that women are expected to wear a headscarf and I expect that it is just too difficult to enforce rather than the fact it isn't cared about. A little respect can go a long way and often affects how you aer treated in return too.

Open 9-5 excepting prayer times, any time of day is worth visiting, however, to avoid the crowds very early or late is a little better. The mosque is illuminated at night and the cascading domes lit with white light will probably make you go for more than a walk past. The magic of this place doesn't need tempting out.

Summary: Well worth the effort