Мой первый журнал SUNRISE November № 1 2018 | Page 40

CULTURE
The Blue Mosque
Victoria Tupikina
School No. 15
Blagoveschensk (Russia)
I think many people would like to travel
around the world but unfortunately not
everyone has such an opportunity. Personally I
would like to visit many countries and to see
different cities to learn how people live and
what their culture is indeed. Traveling gives
only positive emotions and helps to distract
from problems and everyday routine.
I could experience that to the fullest
when I came to Turkey which culturally sits
between East and West, drawing elements
from both to produce its own unique blend. It
has been influenced by European fashion and
technology. Most towns, be they large or
small, still contain markets where simple local
shops stand side by side in rows. Usually these
are arranged by craft or wares-
coppersmiths, jewelers, cobblers, tailors,
motor mechanics, and so on. The larger towns
have become increasingly westernized, with
modern factories, offices, and shops.
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No doubt, the locals follow the
traditions and etiquette attentively and it is
expressed in the way they keep up family ties,
organize daily life and of course dress up.
Turkish men have increasingly adopted the
styles of European male dress but women
wear some customary combination of baggy
trousers, skirts, scarfs and aprons.
What`s more, religious practice means
a lot to people here and they maintain a state
of ritual purity praying five times a day. In fact,
Islam rules their outlook on life and behavior as
it provides basic ideas about the nature of
morality, charity, transgression, reward and
punishment.
Being there I had an opportunity to
visit the Blue Mosque and feel a religious spirit
of this place. It is the first mosque in Istanbul. It
is considered an outstanding example of
Islamic and world architecture. The mosque is
located on the shore of the Marmara sea, in
the historical center of Istanbul in
Sultanahmet district, opposite the Sophia
Museum.
The mosque is one of the symbols of
the city. The architecture of the mosque
combines two styles: classical Ottoman and
Byzantine. Stone and marble were used for the
construction of the mosque. The name "Blue
mosque" it received thanks to a huge number
of white and blue ceramic stones, which were
used in the interior decorations. This place is
very attractive for tourists because of its
beauty and splendor. The building is home to
almost 10 thousand people. It is possible to
take pictures there but commonly it is not
allowed. Moreover, it is advisable to dress
respectfully before entering, although shawls
and outer garments are given at the door if
necessary.
I truly believe that the Blue mosque
should be seen by all tourists who come to
Turkey and it will remain in the memory for a
long time. It`s one of the easiest ways to get
to know the Turkish culture better.
In general, Turkey is a very beautiful
and atmospheric country so it is impossible
not to fall in love with it. People here are very
kind, friendly and always helpful. Turkey is one
of those countries where you want to come
back again as it charms.
November 2018 №1