Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque--early 17th century--faces the Hagia Sofia, about half a kilometer away. It has many adjoining buildings, a seminary, etc., and it is difficult to get an exterior view that really does justice to this quintessential Istanbul landmark. Tourists can enter freely, however, whenever prayers are not in session. We toured the Blue Mosque just after the Hagia Sofia.

The Blue Mosque, one of Islam's largest and

most famous

Main dome

Like the Hagia Sofia, it is impossible to get

an interior camera view that does justice to the

place; note particularly the huge pillars

Ditto

Facing Mecca



I found the huge grill-work for lighting, and all the cables

and wires, to be a huge distraction; FWIW

Beautiful stained glass

And outside, afterwards, today's wedding pix

After a light dinner at the Lale restaurant, we did the

Turkish bath thing, at the 16th century Cemberlitas Hamami,

Vicki, the full treatment, me, the economy/budget

deal

Vicki really enjoyed it; I thought it edifying, enlightening,

an experience not to be missed, but too hot and humid