The cupola is seventy feet high and is supported by four massive pillars, and four demi cupolas. It has no large columns within like those of Ayá Sofíá and the Soleïmánieh. Along three sides of it runs a gallery (tabaka) for the congregation, supported by small columns, and over that a second gallery, from which is suspended a treble row of lamps reaching half way to the first gallery. The mahfil of the Moazzíns is supported by small pillars like the mahfil of the emperor. The minber, or pulpit, is of variegated marble and sculptured in the most tasteful manner. On the top of it is a most magnificent crown, and over that is suspended a golden banner. The pen fails in attempting to describe the beauty of the mehráb, on both sides of which are candlesticks, containing lighted candles each weighing twenty quintals. On the left side of the mehráb between two windows there is a fine view of a most extraordinary square rock, which is certainly one of the wonders of creation. All the windows are ornamented with painted glass; and behind the two pillars, as in the Soleïmánieh, there are fountains of ever-flowing water, where the faithful may perform their ablutions or satisfy their thirst. The mosque has five gates. On the right-hand corner is the gate of the Khatíb (or reader of the Khotba). On the left-hand corner, beneath the mehráb of the Sultán, is the gate of the Imám. Two lofty gates open on both sides of the building. The ascent to these four gates is by a flight of marble steps. The fifth and largest gate is that of the Kibla, facing the mehráb. No mosque can boast of such precious hanging ornaments as those of this, which by the learned in jewels are valued at one hundred treasuries of Egypt; for Sultán Ahmed being a prince of the greatest generosity and the finest taste, used all his jewels, and the presents which he received from foreign sovereigns, in ornamenting the mosque. The most extraordinary ornaments are the six emerald candelabra which are suspended in the emperor’s mehráb, and which were sent as a present by Ja’fer Páshá, the governor of Abyssinia. The sockets, each of which weighs eight _okkas_, are suspended by golden chains, and terminate in golden feet with green enamel. The experienced and learned have estimated the value of each of these candelabra equal to one year’s tribute of Rúmeïlí. In short, it is a most wonderful and costly mosque, and to describe it baffles the eloquence of any tongue. Some hundred copies of the Korán lying near the mehráb, on gilt desks inlaid with mother-o’-pearl, are presents from sultáns and vezírs. The library consists of 9,000 volumes marked with the toghra of the Sultán, the care of which is entrusted to the Mutavellí (curator) of the mosque. On the outside, facing the mehráb, is a most delightful garden, where the sweet notes of a thousand nightingales give life to the dead-hearted, and the fragrant odour of its flowers and fruits gratifies the senses of the faithful assembled to prayer.