Blue mosque is named after the blue tiles used in the architecture. Please note that this mosque is being used today, so do not photograph the paying people. Ladies are advised to bring their own scarf with them other wise they will have to use the common ones. Uncovered legs and very low sleeves are not appropriate clothing here.

If you are clothed appropriately, you may go in and admire this gorgeous mosque. The tiles, Islamic art and the mihrab are the top attractions.

Yerebatan Sarayi (Sunken Palace) is very romantic, which one would not expect from an ex-water tank. Old islamic music plays in the background; it just feels thrilling to be there. Notice the Medusa head under one of the columns.

Of course, you will probably be approached by many carpet touts as you sit here. Also, some say it is dangerous to linger here after the light show, that there have been muggings.

Dress Code and Expected Behaviour If you are going to enter the mosque, please cover your knees and elbows. If your clothing is inappropriate, you will be given a shawl. You will have to remove your shoes to enter the mosque.

Do not take pictures of people praying. You may take photographs inside the mosque, however. Do not shout or point inside the mosque. This is an active place of worship, after all. Light Show The light show begins every night at 9PM. Each night, the light show is done in a different language for the benefit of international tourism. All of this completely free! Any of the touts in this area will be happy to tell you what night the show will be broadcast in your native language. How we saw the Blue Mosque In the afternoon, we had met Abdullah, a carpet store tout, outside AyaSofya. We talked to him for a bit. He was so nice and offered to show us around Istanbul. It was prayer time at the Blue Mosque so he asked us to escape the heat in his rug store. He served us apple tea, and we chatted. Then the sales pitch came - he was just the person who gets us in - the manager starts laying out rugs. I thought Alli was tempted to buy a gorgeous rich red rug. She certainly egged them on to show her more and more rugs!

We said we'd be back in the morning with a final decision & Abdullah took us to the mosque. He showed us where the muslims wash their feet, and showed us how we had to remove our shoes. We didn't have to put on a headscarf because we were appropriately dressed already, but it wouldn't have bothered me. I carried a headscarf the entire time we were there, but never wore it because I was afraid I would do it wrong. We never once got to speak to a woman who may have been able to clear up the headscarf mystery. Anyway, Abdullah told us about the Imam that stands at the front of the church, and how the women are segregated from the men and pray in back. We learned about the orientation of the prayer rugs towards Mecca, and about the origin of the blue tiles. Then we left, gave a small contribution to the mosque, and went to the cisterns alone - bidding Abdullah goodbye.

Once inside, the beauty of the building is astonishing. The mosque is both huge and ornate, with tiles of blue, gold, and other colors. Despite its age, the building has been well maintained, and little wear is evident.

There is no admission charge for entrance to the Blue Mosque, but donations are accepted (and actually requested) outside the exit.

Unfortunately when we visited (Summer 2002), the interior was undergoing massive restoration and we couldn't see much of the roof. The size is amazing, but we were underwhelmed by the state that it was in. There's a lot of damage here, and only a hint at the former beauty. Be sure to check out the sweating pillar. It is rumoured that if you stick your finger (and turn it around) and feel water, you will be healed. Uh huh. :)

There is a gallery on the second floor, but it's expensive to get in ($10) and we passed.

Be sure to attend outside prayer times. Men should be wearing pants, and women should cover their head (if you don't have a head covering, one will be provided for you). When we visited, the Mosque was packed with noisy tourists. The locals who were praying seemed oblivious to it, but I can't help but think they get tired of it. Yes, there were a lot of tourists, but people were not making much effort to lower their voices - they just didn't seem to care this is actually a holy place of worship, and not just another tourist site.

Once inside, you will be amazed by the blue tiles, and the massive chandelier hanging down from the ceiling with barely visible wires.

In the evening, there is a light show outside the Mosque. The show is in a different language each day. We happened to catch it in English, and left half way through, bored (as most tourists did). If you happen to be in the area, it's worth stopping for a few minutes to look at the Mosque bathed in blue light, but the story is really not worth your time.