Here a moque, there a mosque, everywhere a ...

Seriously, they are everywhere and they look like giants looming over a lilliputian town. The ones here in Istanbul are adorned with numerous domes and minarets so the roof line looks like a field of bubbles with toothpicks jutting out. Non-Muslims are allowed to enter but are required to remove their shoes and women must cover any exposed skin and hair. At the entrance I was adorned with a head scarf before let in. I find mosques to be very calming and restful. They’re dimly lit, quiet except for the occasional chanting, comfortably cool on a hot day, have wall-to-wall rugs, and you’re barefoot. All these elements evoke napping and some people definitely take this opportunity for their quiet time.
- Mary