Turkiye 2023: The Blue Mosque

As we were leaving Grand Bazaar we were hoping that both Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia would be not be too crowded and that lines would be manageable. However, as we were nearing both mosques we were dismayed to see the kilometric queue on Hagia Sophia. It started in front of the mosque and wound up around the other side of the square, almost near the Blue Mosque. Again, the sun is still very high and it's so hot. Deflated after seeing the line and we began weighing our options. Should we stay in line and use extreme patience or wake up early tomorrow with the hope that there would be no line in the early morning hours? We decided to go with the latter option. That being settled we walked towards the Blue Mosque, which does not have a visible line outside, although there were so many people when we reach near the gate/entrance. The entrance to the mosque itself did not have just one line, we found out, but like a mob going inside - Covid alert. I almost got separated with my husband. To be honest, it was very difficult to take everything in when there's so many people around. So difficult to take photographs or videos propertly too. The Blue Mosque. Some Blue Mosque fun facts: 

•  Ottoman architecture. 
• The Blue Mosque is renowned for its stunning blue tiles, six minarets, and intricate decorative elements. Construction started in 1609, opened in 1617. 
• The mosque's central dome is 141 feet (43 m) high and 77 feet (23.5 m) in diameter. It's surrounded by four semi-domes and eight smaller domes. 
• The mosque's interior is covered with over 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles from İznik. The tiles are decorated with floral patterns, trees, and abstract designs. 
• The upper levels of the mosque are painted blue and have calligraphic inscriptions of Quranic verses. 
• The mosque's courtyard has a fountain and is surrounded by a vaulted arcade.

Courtyard.

I believe this is the fountain in the courtyard, but could not photograph without people.

Ready to go in.

Cabinets are provided for shoes. I decided to carry my shoes instead. I was so worried I might not find my shoes later.

The prayer area is fenced in and no visitors are allowed there, I think, unless you are there to pray.

I honestly don't know if people truly "see" the interiors. I am grateful for the opportunity to see this with my own eyes, but at the same time I feel like I really did not see what I came here for, you understand?

This kitty was peacefully sunning itself in the courtyard.

This one found the spot on the steps.

One more capture while walking away.