Weeping column

Day 2 at Istanbul - the beautiful Aya Sofya

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September 9th 2011
We were so disappointed to miss seeing Aya Sofya last year that we were determined not to miss it this time. After yet another delicious breakfast, we headed off to be there for opening. Just a five minute walk, we arrived about 8:45 am and a queue was already forming. By the time it opened at 9am there were many more behind us! In we went, and it was great to be inside this huge space with (r ... read more

Middle East » Turkey » Marmara » Istanbul » Sultanahmet

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Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk, or "Father of the Turks." Under his authoritarian leadership, the country adopt... ... read more