Blue Mosque

Our second stop on our first morning in Istanbul, we visited the Blue Mosque. It is located just across a large courtyard from the Hagia Sophia.  Since the blue mask is still an operating place of worship, we brought along clothing to comply with the dress code they're in.  After a few wardrobe adjustments, we found the visitor entrance and entered the mosque.  Most surprisingly, at the door, we were provided with small plastic bags in which to carry our shoes while visiting. 

We expected to see interesting blue tiles at Mosque, with a variety of elegant rooms to view. We were both disappointed. Wifey did find the women's prayer room tucked in the back of the facility interesting.

In addition, the visitor section is separated by a bar of sorts from the active worship section. It reminded wifey of the bar separating the judge and attorneys from the non-participants in a courtroom.

Sweet that they provided plastic bags for our shoes!  We kept the bags and were able to repurpose them later during a shopping experience.  

Here you can see half a ceiling and a sheet printed to mimic the view that would be behind it.  We're guessing renovations?  

If in Istanbul, should you visit the Blue Mosque?  Absolutely.  It's practically next door to the Underground Cistern and the Hagia Sophia so the marginal cost is very low.  But have realistic expectations :) 

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