Welcome to Istanbul, population during this weekend, 14 million or so + 2, sans our children. As chance would have it, Bosnia's statehood holiday typically falls right around Thanksgiving (no jokes about visting Turkey on Turkey day please). We took advantage of the four day weekend and took a short flight (90 minutes) to Istanbul, leaving Talin and Alma with our dear friend Snezna, who was Alma's nanny our first two years in Sarajevo.
Hagia Sofia, completed in the 4th century as a Christian Cathedral during Roman and Byzantine times, converted to a Mosque during the reign of the Ottoman Empire, and opened as a tourist site (no longer a working mosque) in 1935. Likely the most visited and photographed site in all of Turkey.
Between the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia is a large courtyard from which this photograph was taken. We visited the area twice during our stay, and took a tour of Hagia Sofia on our second trip. Jim thought he knew quite a bit about the building and its history, but Rose convinced him to pony up for the audio tour. Rose may have been right.
Interior of Hagia Sofia, our camera does not do it justice. Impressive in a similar fashion as the Duomo in Florence or St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Though dominated by Muslim decoration and artifacts, a few Christian mosaics can be found. These were covered by plaster during Ottoman times.
Pillars in the interior.
We were able to walk up to the second level where this photo was taken.
Rose and the miraculous pillar. Legend has it that if you place your thumb in the middle and rotate your hand 360 degrees, you will be granted a wish. Rose wished for a shopping trip to the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar. Jim forgot to wish.
The Blue Mosque (not actually blue). Taken from the same courtyard as Hagia Sofia photo. A working mosque, we visited during call to prayer and did not venture inside. Built in the 17th century, both the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia dominate the skyline in this part of Istanbul.
Inside the courtyard of the Blue Mosque. Rose covered her head as custom dictates.
Rose at the entrance of the Blue Mosque.
Parting shot from the Blue Mosque.
We spent most of Friday walking the city. A lack of a plan for the day led to our 8 hour trek around the historical districts of Istanbul. We captured this image at a smaller mosque, with the rainbow piercing the minaret.
Inside the Grand Bazaar. Rose's wish came true. Built in the 15th century, a massive indoor shopping experience. Remodeled over the years due to damage from earthquakes, the Grand Bazaar feels somewhat modern. We actually visited on Friday as part of our trek, were intimidated because we had no idea what we wanted to buy, and left rather quickly. We returned on Saturday, Rose had a plan, and 3 hours later left with gifts for friends and family and a drawing of 18th century Istanbul for ourselves.
Packed Grand Bazaar. There was nowhere to hide for Jim, though he tried.
A stall at the Spice Bazaar. Built in the 17th century, every tour group stops here. Just about any spice you can imagine (Jim can imagine salt, pepper, and red pepper).
The Suleymaniye Mosque at night from our Saturday evening dining spot, actually the larget mosque in Istanbul. Geographically set apart from Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque, we visited during our 8 hour trek and ventured inside.
Galata Bridge, linking the historic district with the old town. A massive remodel occured in 2005 when restaraunts were added below and light rail above. Notice the dozens of fisherman above. We sat and had a beer outside at one of these establishments, ducking swinging baited lines while we did so. In the historic district we found a wine bar at the foot of the Galata Tower (can't believe we didn't photograph the tower).
Ancient Roman aqueduct, built in the 4th century. Now located in the middle of bustling Istanbul. About 200 meters away, arches act as tunnels for a major city ring road.
