Returning to a place is always different for better or worse - The Blue Mosque

This morning at breakfast on this rainy day we had a long conversation with a German family and a couple from Ukraine who feel strongly that Ukraine is part of Russia.  It was an interesting sharing, much in English for my sake,  partly in German ,  with some sharing in Russian between the Germans and the Ukrainians. 


Last time we visited Istanbul I was awe struck by the Blue Mosque.  It was quiet, prayerful, serene,  huge, and beauty-full. It felt like a place of prayer.  I have wondered why my friends who have visited it recently haven't had the same experience.  I realize now that last time we had visited after the cruise ship crowds had left .  That was not possible today as .the hours it is open for visitors have been greatly reduced.  It was neither quiet nor serene.  The visitor area was packed.   It felt much less like a place of prayer. 

The area reserved for Muslims

It's made of thousands and thousands of beautiful and unique tiles, 

mostly in  shades of blue.

Looking up

 

This little boy was praying behind a line of men.  Clearly proud of his faith.

 

I  sat at the base of one of the great pillars for a time to reflect.

 

It is very important that shoes be removed before stepping into the Mosque and on the carpet.  Bags are given for shoes.  One woman visitor as we were leaving put on one leather shoe with high laces.   An attendant came over to tell her she must take it off.  Sadly she did not comply until he had to strongly confront her.  It was sad to see as these forms of respect are so simple and disrespect so damaging.  I can understand limiting the hours for visitors if they do not show respect for those who allow the access to their holy place.

 

  

I had my usual per trip fall so we returned to our room with dinner to ice my knee and catch news on a few of the 2000 satellite  TV and radio channels.  I don't think the extreme drama CNN gave to the space vehicle crash by interrupting all programming gives the rest of the world an impressive picture of our values   Seeing how other parts of the world view us, mostly through these news casts is a bit humbling.