We departed the Yeni Camii and meandered for a bit in Eminonu. Eventually, we decided to find a small mosque before taking a lunch break. The mosque we were looking for, the Rustem Pasha Camii, was located in a bazaar next to the Spice Bazaar.
We entered the bazaar and the maze of streets and vendors was overwhelming. We kept walking in circles looking for a mosque. Usually, they are pretty well defined buildings separete from the remainder of the shops and dwellings, topped with minarets. But the Rustem Pasha Camii was impossible to find. Eventually, a few of the local vendors pointed us in the correct direction and we followed their advice.
We had to ascend a flight of stairs to get to the courtyard, as the mosque sits atop a terrace over shops. The exterior of the mosque contains several examples of Iznik tiles, but more awaited us inside.
The interior of the Rustem Pasha Camii was much smaller in comparison to the Yeni Camii and Blue Mosque. But the tile work was outstanding - the tiles extended maybe 40' up the columns and walls. And these apparently were the highest of quality of Iznik tiles compared to other mosques built within the time period.
As you can tell, Rex was completely overwhelmed by the experience. He was stunned, agape with awe. Maybe not - I think he was mosqued-out by this point and hungry.
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