oriented towards, is oriented towards the holy city of Mecca (Frishman and Khan 33-35). The religious leader who recites the prayers does so from the minrab, which is very similar to the pulpit found in Christian churches. The call to prayer is given by the minarets that stand outside some mosques. In addition to being a place of worship, mosque compounds may contain madrasas (schools) and “hospitals, baths, and other dwellings” (Boyar and Fleet 143). Not all mosques are as grand as those in Istanbul, which were built not in honor of Islam, but...... of paper...... more colorful than the other mosques with which the city shares, the Blue La mosque possesses a warm character that seems to be non-existent in these massive, yet grandiose structures. Istanbul's mosques are much more than just places of worship. Initially symbols of power and wealth, they now serve as windows into one of the most powerful empires in history. These mosques allow people to interact more with classical and old world history than the ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman world. The Hagia Sophia has transcended its original purposes, while other mosques simultaneously maintain their liturgical purpose and serve as ambassadors to the Ottoman Empire. As the country of Istanbul pushes further into the modern world, these mosques will increase in importance due to their strong connection to a past that initially attracts travelers to Istanbul.

Topic > oriented towards, is oriented towards the holy city of Mecca (Frishman and Khan 33-35). The religious leader who recites the prayers does so from the minrab, which is very similar to the pulpit found in Christian churches. The call to prayer is given by the minarets that stand outside some mosques. In addition to being a place of worship, mosque compounds may contain madrasas (schools) and “hospitals, baths, and other dwellings” (Boyar and Fleet 143). Not all mosques are as grand as those in Istanbul, which were built not in honor of Islam, but...... of paper...... more colorful than the other mosques with which the city shares, the Blue La mosque possesses a warm character that seems to be non-existent in these massive, yet grandiose structures. Istanbul's mosques are much more than just places of worship. Initially symbols of power and wealth, they now serve as windows into one of the most powerful empires in history. These mosques allow people to interact more with classical and old world history than the ruins of the ancient Greek and Roman world. The Hagia Sophia has transcended its original purposes, while other mosques simultaneously maintain their liturgical purpose and serve as ambassadors to the Ottoman Empire. As the country of Istanbul pushes further into the modern world, these mosques will increase in importance due to their strong connection to a past that initially attracts travelers to Istanbul.