The mosque popped out at us so suddenly that I was taken aback at how large and beautiful it ended up being. To me, it's location is arbitrary--near Place Monge, just a block away from Rue Mouffetard, close to the Latin Quarter.
I wondered why it was the first time I was seeing it. As we inched nearer I was excited to see what it would look like on the inside. Already, I was noticing the beautiful tile work that ran its way up and down the colossal architectural masterpiece. Turquoise, yellow ochre, greys and whites jumped out and created an image straight out of...Morocco (bt dubs, 'rents, I'm going to go in February). Its authenticity was better highlighted by the old women sitting outside in "dahaat" garb drinking tea, eating persimmon, and speaking Arabic to one another.
Afterwards, Yasna asked me what I thought these women did all day sitting outside of the mosque in the shivering cold. I don't know. That's their community...their group...their, "doreh-yeh zanah," (Mamman, Homah, Peggy style... only instead of Mamman's house eating khoresht bademjoon, aash, and halva, they prefer tea and persimmon).
Through the entrance, we could see a courtyard filled with fountains and greenery. It was refreshing, in the midst of all the grey (grey buildings, grey skies, grey people), to see all of the colors the mosque held.
We wanted to go inside and explore (well, I wanted. Yasna just wanted to get her eyeliner) but they told us it was not open to the public. Later we found out it was Eid. Really? Was it really? Well, Eid Mobarak. Hey, is Dai Kami back from Makeh yet?
The mosque had a hammam built into it and I was itching to go inside and see what the deal was. The walls were emitting steam, and standing in the cold cold cold weather outside, I was envious of those inside the hammam enjoying the heat. Imagine what a hammam can do for your sinuses! It's like bookhoor X 10000!!!!
There was also an amazing cafe/restaurant. Yasna and I went and sat there for a while. There were golden tables, woven tapestries, couches and lush pillows all over the room. Little birds flew in and out chirping. The room was pretty full and in the middle of the hustle and bustle, a waiter running in and out of the kitchen carrying trays with dozens of "estekaneh chai" (glasses of tea).
Sweet mint tea. I was not expecting it to be shirin (sweet). Minty, yes, but sweet, no. My taste buds were pleasantly surprised. The warmth of the tea was great. It was relaxing. It was...well, when there is tea these days, there is no cough. So, my lungs got a little break too. : ) Just kidding. MOM IM FINE.
The entire building, the entire experience inside that building was relaxing. Why? I dont know. If find religious sanctuaries to be very meditative in general. I guess its because when there is always so much going on in the city, its nice to go somewhere where people are at peace.
I'm going back again. To drink some more tea and sit on the couches with the large pillows and sing with the birds.
No. I'm going back to sit with the old Arab women in front of the mosque drinking chair. I'll even wear the "dahat garb" to stay warm. And I want to try to learn what it means to be a part of their community.
Love.
