Suleimaniye Cami

Yesterday was a visit to one of the mosques in Sultanahmet, the old part of Istanbul. First thing in the morning, before the heat, before the bustle of the end of the work week, before the worshippers come to worship on the Muslim holy day of Friday.

It was us and another tour group who had the space to ourselves. You could envision it full of people, each taking their designated spot on the rug marked by the red shape on the floor.

There is something very peaceful and calming about any empty space of worship. It didn't feel empty; it felt full of peace and a place to be with your own thoughts.