Europe meets Asia

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I have arrived at the very edge of Europe, the heart of the old Ottoman Empire, Istanbul... From my hostel I have views across the Bosporus to Asia and if I look the other way a fantastic view of the Aya Sofia and the Blue Mosque! The people are friendly the atmosphere fun and the weather consistently good... And I am surrounded by Australians... Because Anzac day is coming up (for those of you who are not Australian or from New Zealand, ANZAC day is when the Commonwealth forces attacked at Gallipoli in the First World War and died in their thousands) so I was almost the only non-Australian around.. Although two Brazilians I had met in Sofia were also at the hostel and they had their flag with them compensating for the overload of Aussie and Kiwi flags... But it is fun, have been having a party every night and during the day been strolling around the sights. All the carpet and other sales men are catering to the needs of the Aussies and the Kiwi's by approaching them with a very Australian G'day mate (with perfect accent).. Istanbul is expensive though, probably the most expensive place I have been so far, so tomorrow it will be time to move on... Haven't decided to where yet, either Iznik or straight to Troy...

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Photos

Edirne
Selimiye Mosque

Edirne
The builder of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul considered this Mosque his masterpiece

Edirne
Ucserefeli Mosque, which has four different minarets

Edirne
The Meric Koprusu bridge in Edirne

Istanbul
Haghia Sofia

Istanbul
Inside the Haghia Sofia

Istanbul
The Deesis Mosaic (The Last Judgement) with the Virgin Mary to the left, Christ in the middle and John the Baptist to the right

Istanbul
Mosaic portrait of Empress Zoe and her third husband Constantine IX Monomachus with Christ in the middle

Istanbul
Blue Mosque

Istanbul
The ceiling inside the Mosque

Istanbul
More of the interior of the Mosque

Istanbul
Details

Istanbul
Obelisk of Theodosius

Istanbul
A gate at Dolmabahce Palace

Istanbul
View over the Golden Horn towards Topkapi Palace

Istanbul
And again with fountains

Istanbul
Haghia Sofia at dusk

Istanbul
Blue Mosque at dusk

Istanbul
Topkapi Palace, the Imperial council chamber with the Tower of Justice in the back

Istanbul
The Sacred Safekeeping Rooms in the Topkapi Palace

Istanbul
Celebrating my birthday and the before party of ANZAC day with Fernando and Claudio from Brazil