Located in Istanbul's Sultanahmet district, along with the Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque is a global treasure beyond belief. It is my favorite place in Istanbul - such beauty here, art and talent that have survived millions of visitors and hundreds of years, since being built in 1609.

But it is a place of peace, too - astonishing, because it is chock-full of tourists and worshippers. The marble steps are worn, the carpets and lightbulbs regularly replaced.

It is called the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Camii), for the blue tiles (there are 20,000+ tiles!) that entrance your eyes. And, as you can see from my photos, I spent most of my time in the Blue Mosque looking up. I loved the lights, the art, the stained glass windows, and the beauty that has survived the ages. This is a cultural and historic treasure, part of the historic district of Istanbul.

May you find peace in the Blue Mosque today, as this district was rocked by a terrorist attack. I honor this city I love so much, and hope that peace can find a way. Come along inside...

Sign at the entrance, showing respectful clothing

Worn marble steps from countless visitors

Two of the six minarets

An entrance to the courtyard

Architecture in the courtyard (above and below)

Entering through a small tunnel

Space to take off your shoes (above and below)

Another small tunnel

AND THEN, this:

As you tear yourself away and leave, there's a replica of the Blue Mosque:

Window looking out

And friends waiting...

A last look up

A square filled with life

Our thoughts are with Istanbul today.

Learn more:

The Best of Turkey: An A-Z Guide

The Blue Mosque - Astounding Colors

Exploring Istanbul - the Blue Mosque

#LovefromTurkey

#WidenYourWorld: Most Influential Travel Bloggers Share the Best of Turkey

All photos courtesy and copyright Wandering Educators