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For anyone coming to Turkey and interested in religious culture a
visit to one of the larger, famous and picturesque of the country’s
approx. 70.000 mosques is an absolute must.
Classics like the giant
“Blue” Mosque in Sultanahmet or the rather tiny, but beautiful
Cinili (“Tiled”) Mosque in Uskudar definitely should be on anyone’s
list of attractions.
Some tourists would like to see a mosque from the inside, but are
somewhat unsure regarding any rules for any such visit.
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Here’s a little
guide on “mosque etiquette”:
Timing of the visit
Visiting a mosque during prayer times is only possible, if the
mosque features a visitor’s area, a special segment separated off
for visitors to see the inside of the mosque even during prayer
times. If there isn’t, visits are probably not expressively
forbidden, but not recommendable unless you are Muslim and attend
for praying. Some mosques don’t allow any visitors during religious
ceremonies at all.
It is of course much easier and appropriate to appreciate the beauty
and peace of a mosque outside of the five daily prayer times. Most
mosques are open all day for individual worshippers and visitors
alike, if not, the local Imam (Priest) is most certainly willing to
open the mosque for interested sightseers.
Friday is of course the busiest day at the mosques as true muslims
go for the classic Friday prayer (simply called “Cuma”). At
around lunch time, many of the shops close for the owner partaking
in this slightly longer than usual ritual. Since some mosques can’t
accommodate all the prayers, one may notice prayer mats being
unfolded right around the mosque for anyone wishing to pray. It is
probably best to watch this spectacle from a place well away from
the prayers in order not to obstruct anyone or make them feel
uncomfortable.
Outside prayer times mosques maybe busy with funerals. These can be
recognized by sometimes vast crowds of mourners who came to pay the
last respect to the dead person. An unmistakable sign for a funeral
ceremony is also the green-colored transporter of the council on the
street outside the mosque. Unless you’re actually coming to the
funeral this isn’t a good time to visit the mosque.
Dress code
Ladies should wear a headscarf when entering the mosque compound and
must definitely wear it when going into the actual building.
Revealing clothes should not be worn or hidden under an overcoat,
this goes for both men and women. Short sleeves are acceptable,
however shorts are not. Clothes worn should be similar to those one
would wear when entering a church.
Shoes must in all cases be
removed, they can either be left outside or taken along in a plastic
bag you should carry with you for this purpose. It may therefore be
advisable to bring along a pair of socks, if you don’t want to enter
the place barefooted, but all mosques feature beautiful carpeting in
most areas.
Do’s and don’t’s
Religious buildings all across the world are places of worship and
one should behave accordingly. Mosques are no exception and eating,
drinking and smoking are not only forbidden, but can constitute an
insult. Shouting, laughing, running around and otherwise behaving
inappropriately should be avoided. Photographs should only be taken
outside prayer times and only if not explicitly forbidden. If in
doubt, ask or take other visitors as an example. Mobile phones
should be switched off or to silent mode before entering to maintain
a peaceful atmosphere.
Religious items present should not be touched, especially if not
sure of their usage. Praying in a mosque as a non-Muslim may sound
like a fancy idea for those believing in a single God who may be
worshipped in any religious building, but please remember, that this
notion might not be shared by others and therefore don’t attempt to
do so.
Most mosques also have similar rules for the entire compound and not
just the building. Litter should not be thrown anywhere but into
designated waste bins, if provided. Mosques tend to offer toilet
facilities which can be used by anyone. There are also places where
prayers wash their feet, hands and faces before praying – these
should only be used for this purpose and nothing else.
Basically, to keep a visit to a mosque pleasant and not run into
difficulties it is advisable to show the same respect and dignity
you would apply when entering a place of worship of your own
religion. Locals will appreciate your behaviour and not get a
doubtful impression of your cultural background.
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