The outer courts, which are open to all, are very spacious, paved with slabs of marble, and kept scrupulously clean.

In the midst stands a fountain, at which the Mussulman washes his hands, his face, and his feet, before entering the mosque.

An open colonnade resting on pillars usually runs round the mosques, and splendid plantains and other trees throw a delicious shade around.
The mosque of Sultan Achmed, on the Hippodrome, is surrounded by six minarets.

Most of the others have only two, and some few four.
The kitchens for the poor, situated in the immediate neighbourhood of the mosques, are a very praiseworthy institution.

Here the poor Mussulman is regaled on simple dishes, such as rice, beans, cucumbers, etc., at the public expense.