The Blue Mosque - a few more from Istanbul

[Didache]

Hi all - just three more from my trip to Istanbul. All these are of the Blue Mosque, which is the most fabulous building. The first is the mosque as viewed through the north gate. The second is the interior - it is called the Blue Mosque because of the predominant colour of the internal tiles. The third is the mosque just as the sun was rising and there were few people about - the sun rising in the east made it glow.

And comments are very welcome.

Cheers
Mike

[GB1]

Mike - these pix portray the character of the city.Not sure about # 1, but I really like the expanse of # 2, though also feel that it's clipped off somehow. I think this might be a scene that would be idea with one of those 'super wide-angle' lenses (or a fisheye lens) if you could get ahold of one... They're expensive, but perhaps for your next trip it would be worth it to rent one, if possible.

The bottom shot is aother solid winner, as was the prev. shot of it.
GB

[drg]

I happen to like all three, though the third photograph is the standout. The birds add a nice touch to the overall scene, it would have been interesting to the photo with a still reflecting pond. Ah the vicissitudes of on site photography.

The second has tremendous colors and patterns (it is a Mosque!) though I'd like to see the whole image straightened or slightly less keystoned on the right hand side.

The first photo makes a lot more sense with an understanding of the labeling of the traditional gates of ancient mosques. It looks like the interior sign refers to the protections and maintenance of the site by some royal family (probably 'Saud) or government ministry but I can't read it terribly well. I like the medieval quality imposed by the weight lent to the photograph by gates and walls.

Any 'classic' Hagia Sofia photos?

Thanks for sharing!!

[Didache]

Thanks guys for your comments - which are, as always, fair and perceptive. drg - I especially thank you for your explanation of the signs. Just for you, I will put a Hagia Sophia view in a new thread

Cheers
Mike