Saturday evening. Leaving Istanbul.

Saturday, July 24^th.

We started Saturday with another SAS day-trip. We visited two mosques, and a museum. First up, the Eyüp Sultan Mosque.

It was the first mosque constructed by the Ottoman Turks following their conquest of Constantinople in 1453. It was built near the tomb of Abu Ayyub al-Ansari, who was a close companion of the prophet Muhammad. It is therefore attracts many Muslim pilgrims. We were able to visit both the mosque, and the tomb. As we entered the grounds, we were shown the pen where sacrificial rams are kept. Muslims who have been blessed with enough food and shelter are expected to donate rams for slaughter, 1/3 of the meat is distributed to the poor. The sacrifice commemorates the willingness of Abraham (Ibrahim) to sacrifice his son as an act of obedience to God, but instead was able to sacrifice a ram (by God’s command).  The mosque is surrounded by a cemetery. Many Muslims wanted to be buried close to Abu Ayyub al-Ansari.

Next we paid a return visit to the Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque). Our guide was very engaging.  He described the methods and meanings to the Islamic prayer rituals. Its an amazing place to spend some time.

Then across the former hippodrome and into the Türk ve İslam Eserleri Müzesi (Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum).

I was blown away by the books and calligraphy scrolls on display. Pictures were allowed, so I’ve included a selection.

Not many pictures with this posting. I apologize.

Friday night we headed out with David and Lois to take a Turkish bath. Walk/metro/map-check/ask directions/ ah, we are there. We enter off the street, down marble steps, into a reception area. We choose what services we want. I went for the whole thing.

So, first into a private changing room. Off clothes, cotton wrap sarong style, pair of awkward wooden slippers. Lock room, bring key. Into the warm room. There is a raised marble platform in the center. Lie here, look at the stars cut into the domed roof, and begin to sweat. Then the attendant shows up and gives a vigorous massage. Then off to one of the alcoves that rings the room where the attendant scrubs you with plain water and a canvas mitt. Then lots of cool water dumped over you, then the attendant washes you with sudsy water and something resembling a hand-held mop-head. But it feels more like one of those lacey bath sponges.  After having a few gallons of cool water dumped over you (which feels great in the heat), you exit the warm room, get a few towels to dry yourself and wrap yourself, and head back to your changing room.

Once dressed, you sit in a small courtyard drinking juices and teas waiting for the ladies to finish, because for an unanswerable reason they take about an hour longer than the men.

I think we need one of these in Burlington. After all, we can make it with Vermont marble right?