Sultan Ahmed Mosque; NYU supp/ What intrigues you?

Any comments please. I do not want to sound offensive in any way by trying to make it sound personal. Please and thank you.

B. What intrigues you? Tell us about one work of art, scientific achievement, piece of literature, method of communication, or place in the world (a film, book, performance, website, event, location, etc.), and explain its significance to you.

It was my first time ever visiting a mosque, let alone one located in one of the most historical countries in the world. Arriving at the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, popularly known as the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, I was clueless to what I was supposed to do. Once I visited this place of worship, now more of a museum, I was amazed at how after standing for over 400 years, it is still required that visitors must respect the religion and the culture by being presentable.

Approaching the place of worship, I realized that I was not dressed properly and I was provided, along with a majority of other women, cloths to cover my legs, arms, and head. That very moment illustrated how high value is placed on culture in certain parts of the world and it reminded me of the significance of traditions in my own life. Being of Lebanese background, I have been exposed to centuries worth of history, whether it was on street corners in my parents' hometown or at historical landmarks.

I was intrigued by how there are so few people and places, compared to centuries ago, that cherish their historical backgrounds. It is quite uncommon today to appreciate something that distinguishes you from everyone else. I was able to grasp how the presence of my own background identifies who I am because of where I come from and how I need to preserve it.

- Is this needed?


I'm honestly not sure that's true. Many places are hardline devoted to their traditions, which is why multiculturalism is a source of such heated debates.


Where did this come from? Nothing comes to mind which provides evidence of this.

Sorry, if I am being too hard. It's your essay. This was what just came to mind when I read it over the first time.

Just a little thought here:
Sometimes I find it hard to cherish my background because it does set me apart from others around me.
Useless word? don't you think?
I think you could elaborate more on how this is significant to you. I agree that you should fix the last sentence.
How does your culture effect you? What makes it precious?

Very good paragraph.

I was about to question you on how you discovered that your heritage was precious to you but then the last sentence answered my question so it pretty much kept your paragraph together and in place.

Simple and right to the point.