The Blue Mosque, the main attraction of Istanbul, is undergoing repairs.
April 1, today we started sightseeing in Istanbul in the morning.
Today is the last time I can go sightseeing in Istanbul.
Actually, we will only stay here in Istanbul for two nights. We leave for Israel tomorrow at noon.
This is because, in deciding on the route for this round-the-world trip, I have decided to vary my destinations.
If we stayed in all countries for the same length of time, the number of days and budget would be greatly exceeded.
So we came up with the "meaningful transit point" rule.
Turkey, for example, is a "meaningful transit point.
I originally wanted to go to Israel as my next destination from Kilimanjaro Airport.
However, there were no direct flights to Israel due to my ticket restrictions.
would have to go through some other country.
But it would be a shame to just pass through there on transit.
Is there a transit country that is in the best position on the route and still has things to see there?
So we looked for countries that fit that criteria, and this is the "meaningful transit point" rule.
This meaningful transit point is also the case for Austria and Croatia, which are later in the round-the-world route.
Although I would have liked to stay in these countries for a week, I was forced to stay for only two nights.
That does not mean that these countries are just to be flushed.
Of course, I intend to taste it well.
Anyway. Turkey is practically over for the day.
Let's head first to the Blue Mosque, which is the place you are looking for.
The Blue Mosque is a five-minute walk from the hotel. There are very many hotels around the Blue Mosque.
The fact that there are so many hotels in the best locations is probably one of the reasons why Istanbul is such a popular tourist destination.
This is the Blue Mosque. Even from afar, its size and beauty can be felt.
The Blue Mosque was completed in 1616, and its official name is Sultanahmet Jami', which means the mosque of the Sultan (emperor), Ahmet.
The Suleymaniye mosque we saw yesterday was also a mosque by the emperor.
Yes, you may consider that Istanbul has as many huge mosques as there are emperors.
Successive emperors built mosques and tombs to demonstrate their power and achievements.
The situation is the same in Japan. No, perhaps it is the same all over the world. Powerful people build huge structures and create works of art.
And it is this Blue Mosque that has been called "the most beautiful mosque in the world.
Now, let's get inside.
What is the most beautiful mosque in the world?
Well, this is...? I can't see anything...?
. . it was.
I knew in advance that the Blue Mosque was undergoing restoration work.
However, I did not expect it to be as good as it was.
The crucial ceiling section is completely scaffolded and obscured.
...I thought I could see a little more. It was frustrating, but I had to give up.
Let's get back on track and take a closer look at the different areas.
If up is not good enough, look down.
This is part of the pattern of the carpet on the floor.
Can you guess what flower is in the center?
Yes, tulips.
Why are tulips here?
In fact, the tulip is the flower of Turkey.
I had assumed that tulips originated in Holland, but in fact, they are said to be native to Turkey. This surprised me, too.
Now that the highlight has become the carpet pattern on the floor, let's leave the Blue Mosque for now.
When the repairs are complete, we will be face to face with the most beautiful mosque in the world.
Until then, I recommend that you do not expect too much from this mosque and take measures such as enjoying the exterior alone or being soothed by the tulips on the carpet.
be unbroken
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