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Published: March 1st 2010
Well we were up and at 'em early, and with a good breakfast were prepared for a full day.
Our first stop of the day was the Aya Sofia, originally constructed as a Christian church 1500 years ago - the largest until St Peter's Basilica was built in Rome. In 1453 the Ottoman's conquered Constantinople and the church became a mosque, with the mosaics being covered. It is now a museum with some of the original mosaics having been uncovered, but much of the work has been stalled - scaffolding has been in the place for years and years. Probably due to funding, and whether it is seen as a church or a mosque. Apparently there is growing pressure in Turkey to reopen it as a functioning mosque. The church was originally constructed by the Byzantine's using marble and stone from across Anatolia (representing a united nation). The place is huge and humbling, and it is difficult to conceive how these massive stones were put into place 1500 years ago.
Next stop was the underground Basilica Cisterns that were built around the same time as the Aya Sofia. Hundreds of pillars in various styles (doric and corinthian) built from
Aya Sofia
Roof detaila variety of stone from across Anatolia. The Cisterns are not used by the city but are maintained for touristic purposes and also are the site of concerts on occasion - the acoustics are amazing! (Also there is a scene in From Russian with Love filmed here).
We moved on to the Blue Mosque. What can I say about this amazing amazing building - it is huge and still a functioning mosque. Visitors are welcomed through a side entrance at certain times of day, provided they are wearing appropriate attire (no shorts or tank tops, women should have head covered) and shoes are removed. It is full of Iznik tiles in glorious blues and reds and gold, that are hundreds of years old and still incredibly magnificent. I am told that Iznik tiles are the only tiles that include reds. The mosque is a very powerful place and I want to re-visit it for awhile on our return to Istanbul.
After lunch we visited the Grand Bazaar - a nut house for sure and I for one don't understand the appeal. Nothing but tat, and lots of pushy folks.
Fading fast, we picked up sandwiches
for dinner and had an early night.
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Ronna Dawson
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Thanks for Sharing
Hi Sharon, just wanted to let you know how much I am enjoying sharing your journeys so far. I feel like I am having a real adventure right along with you. I can't help but feel how brave you are to venture into the world on your own and trust that the universe will be good to you. I know that it will...you have amazing karma my friend. We miss you in yoga class and I hope that you are practicing when you can. oohhmmm. The photos are amazing from the desert to the mountain tops. I love it all. Take good care and enjoy a beer for me, as I will you. Talk soon....Namaste!