Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Turkey

One of the major reasons why I chose to study abroad at Turkey was because of the AyaSofya and Blue Mosques. I had learned of them during my art history classes in high school; when I saw a glimpse of the interiors and the monumental scale in whıch they were built, it planted a desire within me to venture out to see them. Of course, being muslim also played a part in my wanting to see the mosques, since lıvıng ın America limits the number of sights with such kinds of grand architecture and depth of history related to the construction of the mosques. 

I started the trip to Istanbul from Ankara, which is nearly in the center of Turkey. It is a five to six hour bus ride to Istanbul, and the best part was when we drove past the Black Sea on our way there. The buses were well-equipped with TVs, so I was not bored because I was just watching American movies dubbed in Turkish the whole ride there. It departed at 7:45 am, and I was extremely tired, but I was so excited that I could not sleep..

The bus seats were nice!

We arrived at Istanbul around 14:00, and proceeded to harrass the taxi driver about where our hostel was. We were just driving in circles because he apparently "didn't know" where it was. Haha!

Here is a video of my first glimpse of the Blue Mosque, while riding the metro.

Anyway, we decided to stay in the district of Taksim, which is where a lot of shopping and night life happens. It is known to be the youngins hot-spot, though neither me nor my friend Marine took much advantage of anything else but the shopping and the seemingly endless rows of dessert shops.

This was a small construction in the middle of Taksim square, where we spent the nights in Istanbul.

Entrance to the Grand Bazaar

After we arrived at the hostel, we bought keys for the subway. It was pretty cheap--I only used about 20 TL worth for our stay of 5 days and 4 nights. We decided to hit up the Grand Bazaar first, because it was going to be Bayrum on Thursday (the next day), which is the Islamic holiday known as Eid. Bayrum lasts 3 days, but the holiday coincided with the weekend, so we expected all of the Bazaars to be closed.

I had an adventure in the Grand Bazaar, which features over 2,000 shops. I bought my very first real leather jacket. I splurged on many boxes of Turkish delights. I also bought a calligraphy for my neice (watch the video here). I simply enjoyed observing all of the hustle-bustle going on around me, while attempting to carry bags of purchases and an oversized poster of a sufi dancer.

Tavuk Doner ve Pilav

At night, we enjoyed some cheap dinner locally. We survived off of Tavuk Doner (Chicken Shawarma) and Pilav (rice) the whole time we were there. It was amazingly delicious and super affordable, at just 3 TL for a plate. I still crave the Doner from Istanbul--no restaurant has matched it yet.

Entrance to the Blue Mosque

The next morning was Thursday morning, and it was Bayrum! Eid Mubarak, from Istanbul, Turkey!! I had the most amazing Eid in my life. I felt spiritually cleansed and my itchy traveler's feet were finally quenched of the thirst to visit the Blue Mosque. I intended to pray Eid prayer there, but unfortunately, I did not know the time at which the Namaz would be held, so I showed up just an hour too late. It was okay, since I decided to pray  Eid namaz with the intimate privacy of the women's section.

The ceilings of the women's section. They were so intricately designed.

Me in my Bayrum outfit

After I prayed, I began crying. I could not get myself to realize how deep of a spiritual experience this trip had transformed into. I was mostly crying because I was so thankful to have such a blessed opportunity to study abroad. And on top of that, I was spending Eid at the Blue Mosque, half way around the world, celebrating with other muslims. I don't know how many more times in my life I will be able to say that, so it was a deeply touching moment for me.

View from women's section, facing towards the front of the Mosque

The front of the Mosque, where the Imam delivers Khutba

Luckily, I still arrived at the Mosque before many other tourists, and one of the major reasons I was even allowed inside was because I was wearing a hijab (Islamic head covering). There was a sign that indicated the prayer times were in procession, so tourists would have to wait to enter. I am glad I had my time of solace spent at the Blue Mosque. I kept a rosary bead with me to remember the experience. 

Don't these arches remind you of the Mosque at Cordoba, Espana?

Here is a video tour of the Interior of the Blue Mosque

One of the side entrances to the Mosque

This is the view of the entrance as you enter from the front, looking through the historic double doors.

Wudu-performing stations, Males

Bayram Mubarek signs were floating in the air everywhere.

Here is a video tour of the Exterior of the Blue Mosque

I could not resist but stroll through the small bazaar spots that the locals set up on the aisle-way to the entrance of the Blue Mosque. I glanced through the small purses, the scarves, the necklaces, and the hats. I bought some souveneirs for my family. 

One final look at the Blue Mosque before I leave. 

So, after Thursday was over, I returned to the Blue Mosque on Friday for Cuma prayer. It was a wonderful experience, sitting amongst the Turks, listening to the Khutba in a fierce but gentle tone of command. I sat near a new mother with a daughter who was perhaps one years old, who was fascinated by my camera. This is what the Ezan sounded like during the Khutbah. 

I do not think I will ever forget the way I felt when I experienced the Blue Mosque.

I left my heart in Istanbul... 

Kalbimi Istanbul'da biraktim