Mosaic in Aya Sofia

This was plastered over when it was converted to a mosque and later uncovered when it was turned into a museum. Apparently, the Muslim religion does not allow any images of living creatures.

2nd Day in Istanbul

June 18th 2008
After a second day ın Istanbul I think I have covered most of the sights ın my part of town. See the pictures attached to see what I saw, but a very good day in summary. I visited a mosque, a church, a cıstern (for storing water), and saw a bıt more of the cıty. I am wrıtıng thıs at 1230 local tıme and I just returned to the hotel from the sectıon of town domınated by hostels and bars. ... read more

Middle East » Turkey » Marmara » Istanbul

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

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