The Blue Mosque 9.12.23

 Today was jam packed with activities all over the city.  We started by taking the efficient but crowded tram back to the Blue Mosque.  The women in our group were required to wear headscarves and anyone in our group with uncovered legs were loaned a quite lovely, not, skirt to put on over their clothes.  Architecturally, the soaring pillars and expansive domed ceiling are spectacular.  Mosques have little to no furniture in them but you are allowed to sit on the carpet covered floor.  A long wooden barrier separated the area open to the public from the worship area which held a few Muslims that were there for prayer and study.  We spent about an hour between the inside and the large courtyard exploring the site.








We then split into two groups, one going to a nearby shopping area with the others returning to the hotel. When those that were shopping returned, we all headed out to our group lunch at Pendeli Restaurant in the nearby Spice Market.  This white tablecloth establish lavished us with a spread of Turkish delights.  We all left quite satisfied.

Below, we wondered the manageable sized spice market.  The series of shops offered mostly spices, candies, and household goods.  Hard to distinguish one from another, I visited a couple looking for spices and treats to take home.  The market interior is lovely with decorative arched ceiling and attractive storefronts.  





We had a few minutes to rest before taking a ferry to
the Asian side of the city.  Kadidoy has become a lively part of Istanbul with markets and restaurants lining the streets.  Much trendier than the European side, the residents and visitors seemed more relaxed and in less of a hurry.  The Markets in Moda offered fresh fish and meat markets and there was an abundance of fresh vegetables and fruit.  The sidewalk dining was brimming with people having their evening meal.









Returning on the ferry, we were treated with a beautiful sunset over the Blue Mosque and the Galatea Bridge.  It was a lovely evening and a short walk to our hotel.  


Tomorrow: A ride on the Bospherus

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