This morning we started with another critique session. We've all progressed from the first day, starting to make the critical choices between what really tells a story and what just doesn't quite work. It's also great to be around others that don't mind spending an entire dinner discussing the pros and cons of camera equipment and lenses. I think all of our spouses are glad we can get this out of our systems without them having to act interested.
After a quick break for lunch we all walked to the Blue Mosque, so named for the blue tiles that line the inside. When we first entered, they were not having a closed prayer session so tourists were able to move around the middle portion of the worship hall. The Muslim women are allowed to worship at the very back behind a wooden fenced off area, then the visitors, and the front is reserved for the men worshiping.
Once the call to prayer went out, the tourists were asked to leave. We were given permission to stay and take pictures during the worship service. The worshipers streamed in from the outside taking the place at either the front or back. There were adolescent boys in white robes that we decided were training to be Imams, the leaders of the mosque. It was interesting to me that many of the men continued to talk or text on their phones even once the service began. As with the other service I watched, there was kneeling, standing, and bowing during the service. The call for prayer goes out five times a day and the times are dependent of the sunrise and sunset times.
After the service, we were invited to stay and have a conversation with the Imam. We were in his office and were allowed to ask questions although he was somewhat evasive with his answers. He kept emphasizing that the Muslim faith is one of peace and that all are loved by Allah. When asked about the treatment of women, he sidestepped the question somewhat saying that Allah sees everyone the same. He also said there is no true Islamic state at present since none are based on the laws of the Q'ran. He talked about the prophets sent by Allah including Jesus and also said that Jesus would return on the judgement day to accept all Muslims into heaven. He seemed sincere, but he was unable to reconcile the violence committed in Allah's name. He concluded by offering us copies of the Q'ran in English and also smaller books explaining the ritual of prayer.
After leaving the Mosque, we headed over to the Grand Bazaar. This is a large complex of passageways that are lined with shops and restaurants. It is very old and has always been used as a bazaar. It has a shopping center feel to it that I didn't really enjoy. We stopped at a shop and bought scarves to take home. We didn't stay to long, heading back to our hotel after our little shopping expedition. Since we were tired, we went to a restaurant near the hotel so we could get to bed early since we had an early morning ahead of us.
After a quick break for lunch we all walked to the Blue Mosque, so named for the blue tiles that line the inside. When we first entered, they were not having a closed prayer session so tourists were able to move around the middle portion of the worship hall. The Muslim women are allowed to worship at the very back behind a wooden fenced off area, then the visitors, and the front is reserved for the men worshiping.
Once the call to prayer went out, the tourists were asked to leave. We were given permission to stay and take pictures during the worship service. The worshipers streamed in from the outside taking the place at either the front or back. There were adolescent boys in white robes that we decided were training to be Imams, the leaders of the mosque. It was interesting to me that many of the men continued to talk or text on their phones even once the service began. As with the other service I watched, there was kneeling, standing, and bowing during the service. The call for prayer goes out five times a day and the times are dependent of the sunrise and sunset times.
After the service, we were invited to stay and have a conversation with the Imam. We were in his office and were allowed to ask questions although he was somewhat evasive with his answers. He kept emphasizing that the Muslim faith is one of peace and that all are loved by Allah. When asked about the treatment of women, he sidestepped the question somewhat saying that Allah sees everyone the same. He also said there is no true Islamic state at present since none are based on the laws of the Q'ran. He talked about the prophets sent by Allah including Jesus and also said that Jesus would return on the judgement day to accept all Muslims into heaven. He seemed sincere, but he was unable to reconcile the violence committed in Allah's name. He concluded by offering us copies of the Q'ran in English and also smaller books explaining the ritual of prayer.
After leaving the Mosque, we headed over to the Grand Bazaar. This is a large complex of passageways that are lined with shops and restaurants. It is very old and has always been used as a bazaar. It has a shopping center feel to it that I didn't really enjoy. We stopped at a shop and bought scarves to take home. We didn't stay to long, heading back to our hotel after our little shopping expedition. Since we were tired, we went to a restaurant near the hotel so we could get to bed early since we had an early morning ahead of us.
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