Istanbul: The Sights

We jumped on the tram and headed to our first destination and number one tourist attraction, the Blue Mosque. Built between 1606-1616, it was created to rival the Aya Sofia (below) in grandeur and beauty. When we walked inside we were awestruck. Beautiful hand painted tiles donned calligraphy art and lined every surface of the mosque. Chandelier-like lights hung low, fanning out above our heads casting a soft glow. To one side Muslim believers prayed in a roped-off area, and soon it was time to leave as the haunting call to prayer was broadcast over the loudspeakers and people filed in to worship.

After we visited the mosque, we headed across the street to the incredible Aya Sofia (also known as the Hagia Sofia). Built between 527-65, it was considered the most magnificent church in Christendom until the city was taken over by Mehmet The Conqueror who converted it into a mosque. It is a brilliant display of two religious takes on aesthetic beauty. Converted into a museum in the 30's, you can see walls where gorgeous Christian mosaics have been plastered over with intricate hand painted tiles (Islam does not use graven images in holy places, rather detailed design work and delicate calligraphy taken from the Koran are used). It was interesting to see religious expressions on display, not in competition but coexisting, bringing mystery and character to the building. I think that's why it is loved by so many.

After that we visited the basilica cistern, a beautifully preserved cistern created by the Romans to supply water to a roman palace. It is a mysterious place filled with strange fish and two beautiful stones with carved medusa heads from antiquity. No one knows how or why the heads were put down there, but some theories suggest it is to scare away evil spirits.

Two of our other Istanbul faves: the Topkapi Palace and the Dolmabache Palace.

The Topkapi Palace was a magnificent palace constructed around 1453 that was inhabited by Ottoman Sultans until they later moved to more European style palaces like the Dolmabahce. I loved the intricate tiles in the Topkapi and the amazing artifacts on display. We saw the staff of Moses.....or so the legend has it! We also enjoyed walking through the sultans harem, a huge dormitory used to house all his ladies. Quite something!

The Dolmabahce my personal favorite however, because it still contains most of the original fixtures and furniture. It was taken over by Turkey's first president when he exiled the royal family and turned the country into a republic , and it later became a museum. It was an amazing blend of wealth, elegance, and beauty.

Istanbul is an amazing city that could take a lifetime to explore. By the end of our four days there our feet were aching from ten hour days. We then hopped on a bus and are now exploring Cappadocia. More on this amazing place to come!

Blue Mosque:

Hagia Sophia:

Basilica:

Topkapi palace:

Dolmabache palace: