the viewing deck: Istanbul Sultanahmet Square 2nd part; the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque

Monday, January 05, 2015

Istanbul Sultanahmet Square 2nd part; the Sultan Ahmed (Blue) Mosque

4-days Turkey Summer Solo Escapade
June 27 to July 03, 2014

Istanbul 1st part; Inside the Hagia Sophia

How to go to Blue Mosque;
Sultanahmet (Sultan Ahmed) Mosque is inside the Sultanahmet Square of Istanbul which is 50km distance from Sabiha Gokcen Airport and 27km from Ataturk Airport. This mosque is just infront of the Hagia Sophia. Admission is FREE. Photography and video taking is permitted inside. Monopod and tripod is strictly prohibited. Dress code applies, long pants and no sleeveless shirts.

Many of Istanbul’s historical gems, mostly consisting of Byzantine and Ottoman-built monuments are in Old City. Most are located a short walk away from, if not immediately on the edges of, Sultanahmet Square.

With its six minarets and sweeping architecture the Sultanahmet or 'Blue' Mosque impresses from the outside. Unlike Haghia Sophia, this is still a working mosque, entry is through the courtyard on the SW side which is back side of mosque. No shorts or bare shoulders (shawls are provided) and you will need to remove your footwear (bags are provided that you can place your shoes in). Entrance is free, but donations are welcome upon exit. The mosque is closed during ritual prayer but mosque volunteers provide you with a free presentation about the Mosque and also about Islam during that period. Women need to wear head scarves, which can be borrowed at the mosque for free. Everyone needs to cover their legs (no shorts or short skirts).

http://wikitravel.org/en/Istanbul/Sultanahmet-Old_City