Recently we visited the transcontinental city of Istanbul, Turkey. Divided by the Bosphorus strait, Istanbul is where Europe and Asia meet. It is Turkey’s largest city as well as one of the largest cities in the world by population. We had a grand time exploring the fascinating sights of this multi-layered metropolis. Here are the highlights from this historical city…
Topkapi Palace, Gate of Felicity
Topkapi Palace (Topkapi Sarayi) was the main residence for the sultans of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th- to the 19th-century. Its unique architecture, beautiful courtyards, and incredible collection of treasures make Topkapi Palace one of the top sights in the city.
Dolmabahce Palace
Dolmabahce Palace – View from the Bosphorus
Built in the mid-1800s along the Bosphorus, Dolmabahçe Palace (Dolmabahçe Sarayi) served as the administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire as well as the home for some of the last Ottoman sultans.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia Interior
The Hagia Sophia (Ayasofya), a Christian church-turned-mosque-turned museum is considered one of the world’s greatest buildings. This impressive Byzantine structure, with its magnificent domed ceiling, vast interior, and glittering mosaics, was completed in AD 537.
Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque)
Widely known as the “Blue Mosque” for its blue tiled interior, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Sultanahmet Camii) is one of a few mosques in the world with six minarets. This striking structure was built in the early 1600s just south of the Hagia Sophia.
Hippodrome
The Hippodrome was once the gathering place and sporting center of the city. Usually associated with Roman Emperor Constantine, it was originally built by Emperor Septimius Severus in AD 203.
Basilica Cistern
Head of Medusa
The impressive, column-filled Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarayı) lies beneath the city of Istanbul. Constructed in AD 532, the cistern provided water for the Great Palace of Constantinople (which no longer exists today). Of its 336 columns two are supported by stone-carved heads of Medusa, their origins unknown.
Grand Bazaar
The massive Grand Bazaar (Büyük Çarşı) is one of the largest covered markets in the world. It is a labyrinth of shops selling everything from jewelry, textiles, pottery and, of course, souvenirs.
Spice Bazaar
Turkish Delight at Spice Bazaar
From Turkish delight to saffron, oils to dried fruit, Istanbul’s Spice Bazaar (Mısır Çarşısı) is a dizzying array of colors, flavors, and people. Let your taste buds do some shopping…
[Turkish delight (Lokum) is a traditional flavored gelatine dusted with powered sugar.]
Turkish Food
And finally…
Lavas “puffy” bread with various dips and vegetables—a delicious way to end a fabulous trip. Teşekkürler, Turkey!
k&mk 