Mosque Times

Hello everyone!

Today I am going to try to post two diaries. This one will be the shorter of the two. 

Also wanted to let everyone know, I did some serious editing to my last post. Holy cow, tense errors or what! That’s what happens when you are intent on posting at 2 a.m.

So just under two weeks ago Sarah, Megan and I met up. We went to lunch and visited some mosques in the Eminönü district. The first mosque we visited was the Süleymaniye Camii. It was a further walk than anticipated, and of course all uphill, so we arrived breathless and sweating. Prayer time had just ended so the three of us were happy to catch our breath outside the mosque. This mosque is the second largest mosques in Istanbul, yet not frequently visited by tourist. However, I recommend seeing it if you have time. Definitely check the view out back. 

Walking to the mosque. Megan and Sarah under Turkey's current football champ- Galtasary

Outside them mosque, the men leaving after prayer time

Shot from the interior courtyard. This mosque is HUGE

Beautiful dome

The most amazing view out back!

The Süleymaniye mosque began construction in 1500 B.C. under the orders of Sultan Süleyman (a.k.a Süleyman the Magnificent). Any guesses as to how it got its name? The architecture of the mosque is significant because it is a blend of both Islamic and Byzantine styles. Translation: the minarets (those skinny towers on the side), the Islamic style, are combined with small domes surrounding one main larger dome, the Byzantine style.

The second mosque we visited was the Yeni Cami, The New Mosque. Despite its name, it really isn’t that new, built in 1599. This mosque has amazing tiles! I was not expecting them to be so colourful or detailed. 

From the inner courtyard

Stunning blue tiles! Reminds me of the blue mosque

Sarah with her new scarf

Megan by the tiles

Shot of took of the prayer beads for sale outside the mosque 15 TL

Shot I took of the new mosque a couple weeks ago

The best part about the mosques is that they don't charge an admittance fee! However, we always make sure to donate on our way out!

We ended our day at the spice bazaar, visiting our favourite vendors, then the grand bazaar to look for some leather. 

Our favourite store in the Spice Bazaar

Oil lamps in the antique section of the Grand Bazaar

Beautiful lights in the market

Ramadan ended about last week. The last day of Ramadan is called Byram. Basically its a four day feast. I’m so not complaining. We’ve had lamb, we’ve had fish, we’ve had chicken. I’ve had tons of desserts. Urg, I went to bed full every night. 

Well that is all for this post. Going to try to do my Ephesus/Pammukale post right now!

Update it is now 2 hours later, and my post failed and I had to reimport all my photos. Sad reality: Ephesus post is going to have to wait. 

RAAAAAAGEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE