sezohanim
The way out of the courtyard of the Selimiye Mosque
Previously this was the 13th century Crusader Cathedral of St Sophia where the Lusignan kings were crowned. Now this is very much a working mosque, open for prayers and meditation throughout the day. It is also very welcoming to tourists (unlike the mosques I encountered in the Yemen when I was travelling there).
I had hoped to go inside to take some pictures of the wonderful calligraphy, but it was time for afternoon prayers and I did not like to intrude. This exit from the main courtyard faces an antique shop that sells wonderful domestic pieces like pots and pans. A bit too heavy to cart around on a plane, but I would love to have another look some time.
The way out of the courtyard of the Selimiye Mosque
Previously this was the 13th century Crusader Cathedral of St Sophia where the Lusignan kings were crowned. Now this is very much a working mosque, open for prayers and meditation throughout the day. It is also very welcoming to tourists (unlike the mosques I encountered in the Yemen when I was travelling there).
I had hoped to go inside to take some pictures of the wonderful calligraphy, but it was time for afternoon prayers and I did not like to intrude. This exit from the main courtyard faces an antique shop that sells wonderful domestic pieces like pots and pans. A bit too heavy to cart around on a plane, but I would love to have another look some time.