Istanbul

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Caught a local bus into Sultanamhet area of Istanbul. Wandered through the Beyazid Mosque, then the Grand Bazaar before heading down to see the Blue Mosque built in the 17th Century, and famous for the millions of blue tiles inside and the six minarets. Then walked passed the Haghia Sophia, the supreme church of Byzantium and over 1400 years old. Will visit inside when we return to Istanbul in 2 weeks, as we spent the rest of the day visiting the Topkapi Palace, home of the Ottaman Sultans for over 400 years. Built in 1459 as the new seat of government, it was also home to the Sultan's Harem, with up to 500 concubines living there. Magnificently tiled interiors are a feature, as well as the wealth of treasure and relics of the Empire.

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