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Things to Remember when Visiting Mosques

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Istanbul belongs to a secular state with no official state religion. Their constitution provides the absolute
freedom of religion and conscience among its citizens. However, Islam is the dominant religion of the
majority of its people. There are many great mosques in Istanbul where the Istanbul people visit when
they praise Allah, and it is strongly advised to visit at least two of them during one’s visit to the city to at
least feel the soul of orientalism in this magnificent city.

But before you embark on this different divine experience, there are few pointers to remember first
before, during, and after the visit in mosques. These reminders should be taken seriously in respect for
the Islam religion.

Prior to entering the mosque, you must first look at yourself in the mirror and evaluate whether your
wardrobe abide their rules or not. In simpler thought the proper dress code. As the mosques are the
places of worship for Muslims, firstly your dress code needs to fit the place. It is better for ladies to have
clean loose shirts, pants or long skirts and a scarf to cover their hair, for gentlemen clean shirts and long
pants are required. Actually for summer you may enter some of the mosques with shorts but it is not
guaranteed.

Next, upon entering the mosque, individuals are required to take their shoes off. Wearing shoes are
not allowed in all mosques, you need to leave them in a cabinet at the entrance or you can hold them.
Walking in bare feet is fine in summer but come winter time, you might need to carry an extra pair of
socks to keep your feet warm when you visit the mosque.

After removing your shoes, it is time to clean your feet. Muslims have cleaning ritual before praying,
they are required to clean themselves so that all mosques have a nice section for this ritual, you will
see many artistic fountains and marmor samples which can be interesting as much as the mosque.

When inside the mosque always act accordingly and be quiet. Like in any other religion, solemnity
is important in praying, so a little respect is needed. Also, keep in mind that women and men have
separate sections to pray, loud talking and discussion within the mosques are forbidden. Additionally it
is believed that it’s disrespectful to walk in front of a Muslim during his pray.

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