The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, also known as the Blue Mosque, is an Ottoman-meta historical imperial mosque. Constructed between 1609 and 1616, there is no charge to enter, but since it is still being used as a mosque, one have to observe certain protocols. First, female must cover their heads and no shorts or short dresses showing their knees are allowed. You must remove your shoes as you enter the mosque. J.J. and I carried ours with us which was allowed. Photography is permitted.
Our honest observation: We could not truly appreciate the regal beauty of the mosque due to on going extensive renovations of both the exterior and interior. Interior pictures in brochures are nicer.
Weather has been cool and breezy. Yet inside the mosque the air was stale and musty. We can’t imagine the heat and humidity during summer months when the mosque gets packed with visitors.
Aloha -- Cathi
