One of the most popular attractions in Istanbul is the Blue Mosque. Located only 2.3 kilometers from the Hotel Büyük Keban, the Turkish name for this mosque is Sultanahmet Camii. It is known as the Blue Mosque because of the beautiful blue tiles that line its interior. The Blue Mosque was built in the 17th century and is still an active mosque, which means that faithful Muslim come to pray here five times a day.
No Admission During Prayer Times
No outside visitors are allowed in the mosque while prayer is occurring. You will want to avoid coming at the five prayer times, which are two hours before dawn, midday, afternoon, sunset and evening. There are no hard times for these prayer; they are all based on the sun. The mosque will be closed for about half an hour during each of the five daily calls to prayer.
One of the City’s Most Popular Sites for Tourists
Outside of the calls to prayer, visitors can come and enjoy the hospitality of the Blue Mosque. The beauty and evident spirituality of this building make it a huge draw for visitors to Istanbul. If at all possible, you must make a stop here while you are the city.
Respecting Custom
When you visit the mosque, it is very important to be as respectful as possible. One of the most important parts of showing respect is dressing appropriately. The most important rule is for you to take off your shoes before you enter. The mosque provides plastic bags that you can use to hold your shoes while you are inside.
If you are a woman, you must cover your head before you step inside the Blue Mosque. If you do not bring a head covering with you, the staff at the front door will provide you with one that you can wear while you are inside the mosque. The head covering is designed to cover your hair only; you do not have to cover your face. Take the covering and drape it over your head. Equal parts of the cloth should be on both sides of your face. You then throw one side of the cloth over your shoulder to hold the covering in place while you are wearing it. If you borrow a head covering when you visit the Blue Mosque, you must make sure to return it before you leave.
Respecting Worship
When you are inside the mosque it is very important to make as little disruption as possible. Flash photography is not permitted. You also need to remain quiet so as not to disturb the faithful who are worshipping inside. Make sure to adhere to the dress code for the entire time that you are inside the mosque. Women especially should resist the temptation to remove their head coverings while they are inside the mosque.
If you’re planning a trip to Istanbul, you’ll want to choose a hotel that puts you near the city’s major, must-see attractions. For booking and reservation information, contact Hotel Büyük Keban today and let us help you plan a trip you’ll never forget!
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