I guess with a population of almost 13 million people a city would need 3,000 or so mosques.  Kinda hard to imagine that many, but they were everywhere.

One of my most favorite memories of Istanbul will be hearing the call to prayer that’s announced 5 times a day reminding the Turks of Muslim faith to say their prayers. I loved hearing it during the day. There’s nothing quite as exotic as the sound of this mystical call. It provides a few moments of tranquility regardless of your location. Just when you think the voice behind the loudspeaker is starting to fade, another comes to life.

Before anyone can enter a mosque, shoes must be removed before stepping onto the carpets. Muslims worship by kneeling and touching their heads to the carpet so it’s really a matter of cleanliness. Speaking of…all mosques have rules regarding cleanliness thus requiring them to wash themselves before entering. I was able to capture this photo of a gentleman at the entryway of the mosque as he prepared to enter.

Now that we’ve been allowed to enter – time to cover up. Women must cover their heads as well as their knees and shoulders even though I saw a number of women not doing so. I’m talking tourists, not the locals. So here’s yours truly trying to not break any of the rules!                        

Oops!  No cameras allowed?  Sorry…