Sophia Hagia

Istanbul

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June 2nd 2011
Caught a local bus into the Grand Bazaar, built in 1453 after the Ottaman conquest of the city. Wandered through the thousands of small shops, and avoided all the owners wanting to take your money. Next a visit to the Basilica Cistern, built underground by the Romans in 352AD to supply extra water to the palace. 336 columns 8m high support the cistern. Then into the Sophia Hagia, the massive ch ... read more

Middle East » Turkey » Marmara » Istanbul

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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