The Blue Mosque | Istanbul

The Blue Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616.  It's name refers to the thousands of blue tiles on the ceilings of the domes.  It is really quite gorgeous.  The mosque is still a functioning mosque, even with all of the tourists visiting.  It actually closes 5 times a day for the call to prayer.  The first call is at sunrise and the last at sunset.  You can hear the call to prayer all over the city as each mosque has its own "muezzin."   A "muezzin" is a highly regarded person in that mosque that can deliver the prayer beautifully and loudly for all to hear through the microphones by the minarets, calling Muslims to come to the mosque and pray.  It is so incredibly beautiful to hear.  I will never forget it.