Blue Mosque
Facing Hagia Sophia and built in part of the hippodrome is Istanbul’s most spectacular mosque. The Blue Mosque isn’t the largest, but perhaps the most significant in Istanbul. Built in the first two decades of the 17th century, this mosque is even more spectacular knowing that each of the details is handmade.
This active place of worship is open to visitors between prayer times. All must remove their shoes and women must cover their heads with a scarf. As an active mosque, it is very well maintained. The carpets are replaced every few years and constantly cleaned. As an active sanctuary, there is a special feeling in the Blue Mosque. I am touched by expressions of faith no matter their creed.
Lighting hangs low on grand-scale lamps from the magnificently decorated domes. The wall facing Mecca has brilliantly colored stained glass. Hand-painted ceramic tiles cover the walls. Suffice it to say this is a beautiful building.
The outside has six minarets, four around the building and two at the outside corners of the courtyard. The stone carving is exquisite and the calligraphy intricate.
Suleiman Mosque
The largest mosque in Istanbul sits atop another of the city’s hills. Also donning six minarets, the Suleiman Mosque can accommodate 12,000 people for prayers when they fill the courtyard. A similar look on the outside to the Blue Mosque, this one has a larger open space inside with seemingly fewer columns. It was built before the Blue Mosque by about 50 years. Its architecture also follows that of Hagia Sophia with the main dome supported by several smaller full or half domes.
The details in stone carvings over the entrances and inside are beautiful. I did not notice similar work in the Blue Mosque. Another feature I found more stunning here than in the other was the collection of stained glass on the Mecca-facing wall. The windows in this structure are so vibrant and intricate.
Other Mosques
One of our guides told us there are more than 3,000 mosques in Istanbul, all are active. This is evident when looking out across the city. Domes and minarets dot the skyline in modern and ancient districts. It is also evident five times a day when the call to prayer echoes through the city. Some may find it annoying, but I find it reassuring and empowering.
There was a mosque right outside our hotel. Every morning at 7:20 the call would begin. Standing almost anywhere in the city, you can hear one or two very close to you and then hums and distant chants. We happened to arrive at the Suleiman Mosque just before afternoon prayers. We were wandering the grounds as we listened to the call from the minarets. It was kind of soothing.
