Descriptive Writing Coursework: Blue Mosque, Istanbul, Essay Example

It’s warm outside and I hear a busy city buzz behind me. As I walk through the streets, I gaze up at an imposing structure that is as large as a mountain. I think about what could be going in inside of it. The top of the building is glowing in the rays of the sun. As the sun begins to set, the color of the building begins to change. It appears that the gold of the structure turned to blue, as if the building wished to hide among the clouds in the sky. Even though it was turning to night, the grand court yard was full of visitors coming to experience the glory of the Blue Mosque. For me and everyone standing there, the world seemed to stop.

Looking upwards again, it seemed that someone standing in the topmost section of the building could almost touch the sky. Though there were no clouds to interact with at this point, it seemed these people would be able to touch the moon. Looking straight at the building, it seemed that its golden arches would continue forever. From a distance, it had appeared that these arches were small. However, 50 men stacked on top of one another would still not be able to reach the top. Even a giraffe would notice this extreme challenge. The weather became windy as I approached the front door. The construction appeared to be even more massive as I walked closer. The air felt dry and I was filled with curiosity about what I would find inside of the building.

As I walked through the front door, I was in awe to observe the architecture around me. I had been impressed with the outer décor of the building, but I could have never expected to find the beauty that was within. Every piece of the interior was covered with detailed patterns that seemed to pop out at its viewers. Using different shades of blues, blacks, and reds, each pattern looked unique in spite of their color similarities. The ceiling was the most fascinating part of the interior. Several large domes were placed on the ceiling. They contained circular patterns that could be seen as flowers if one thought about them enough. To provide light to these beautiful pictures, small windows were made to surround the flowers in a manner that made them seem to grow. It felt like the flowers were blooming early in the morning. The light was something that I will never forget – it was so dark outside, but the interior of the Blue Mosque seemed to come to life because of this design.

Supporting the interior of the mosque were a series of Roman columns that were built to fascinate the viewer as well as support the building itself. However, the columns appeared to be such an intrinsic component of the design. It seemed as if they were there to not just support the massive building, but to contribute to its stunning character as well. To accommodate the lighting in the room, there were several streams of artificial lights that were designed to ensure that visitors to the mosque would be able to enjoy the full beauty of the room independently of their time of visit. Nearby the lights were a group of individuals praying. It appeared that their prayers were inspired by the love and beauty of the room they were contained within.

The Blue Mosque is reminiscent of a force of power and reflection. The large structure was built to captivate the many people that would visit it, although the architect couldn’t have possibly been aware of the mosque’s eventually fame. However, one cannot deny that the mosque is symbolic for continuity. Regardless of the time in which people visit, they are able to admire the architecture and spirit of the building in the same manner. Whether people visited the building 100 years ago, today, or 100 years in the future, they will be able to observe the same sights of beauty that I stood before today. As I left the building, I regretted to leave behind the wonder I felt inside. I was leaving a momentous piece of history and the current lives of many behind, and felt that I was abandoning their experiences as well.

Outside the Blue Mosque, it appeared that the weather had changed. The air turned to a chilly cold. A great transformation had occurred while I was safely contained within the warmth of the mosque. I was alone outside. Everyone who had been in the grand courtyard had left to be inside. At this moment, I reconsidered my decision. There was nothing outside; there were no people anywhere. I wouldn’t be able to stay out long, but I decided to return back to the mosque where I was immediately filled with warmth and the presence of those who admired the building just as much as I. Leaving a place of beauty is certainly challenging.