Blogs from Sultanahmet, Istanbul, Marmara, Turkey, Middle East - page 5

All In the last entry for this blog you were given the wrong address for Jeff Femrite's blog for Istanbul. If you are interested it is www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/JJF-In-Istanbul-2014... read more

One of the most striking monument throughout the centuries, Hagia Sophia, still is in must visit list of every traveler. Hagia Sophia constructed in 6th century. It served as an Orthodox cathedral until 1453 and remained greatest place of worship in Christendom for almost a thousand years. After the conquest of Istanbul, with order of Mehmed the Conqueror, it was converted into mosque four minarets were added that changed the silhouette of historic peninsula. Even there are many mosques around, Sultans preferred Hagia Sophia for friday prays for centuries. In 1935, young, new Turkish regime proclaimed Hagia Sophia as museum regarding to its historical, cultural and architectural importance. During its construction, many building materials were carried to Istanbul from ancient areas all over the Byzantine Empire, mai... read more

ISTANBUL 18.10.14 cooler and late showers. This morning we visited the Basilica Cistern, just down the road from the hotel. Built in 532AD, to provide water for the now vanished Byzantine Palace. Comprised of over 300 columns, deep underground, some with carvings of Medusa and Peacock eyes. Very beautiful place enhanced by haunting music. Afterwards we had decided to visit the nearby Blue Mosque and Aya Sophia, however today the tourist crowds arrived and the queues were long. SO, we bypassed them for Turkish Coffee, mud like, but ultimately quite drinkable, and amazing Turkish Delights and Pastries from Hafiz Mustafa, established in 1864 and still going strong. Afterwards we did another lap of the Grand Bazaar, before again contemplating the Blue Mosque. Queues of at least 1500 people in front of us made us search for ... read more

ISTANBUL 16 October 2016 Now back in Istanbul, two months later than my visit after the Silk Road ride. The weather is changing, now much cooler than July, but still pleasant exploring temperature. The flights were long, and the flight from Dubai to Istanbul on a 777 was cramped and full. Did not think Emirates Economy was any better than any other airline recently experienced! The A380 from Brisbane to Dubai, 14.5 hours was marginally better. Set out this morning, first visiting the Arista Bazaar. Rent from the stalls support the running of the adjacent Blue Mosque. The shops here sell a better quality product and Mem and I saw many items that appealed! Continued to wander the back streets which were interesting and exotic. Reappeared opposite the Grand Bazaar so continued our wanderings through gold ... read more

Woolly says – Our time in Istanbul certainly seemed to go too quickly, although not our usual independent way of travelling it proved to be highly successful and excellent value for money. We booked the three days, two night tour through one of the tour shops in Alanya and for 900 TL (approximately £250 GBP) we had all of the transfers, flights to and from Antalya to Istanbul (including snacks on the plane), two nights’ accommodation, a cruise on the Bosphorus and a half day Istanbul classics tour included in the package. I was well impressed. The tours would have cost 35 Euro each if booked separately (approximately £28.00 GBP) and when Jo priced everything up separately we found that we saved £30.00 GBP overall leaving extra money for snacks! We had expected the price of ... read more