A day of Mosques

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Today Sharon, King, and I ventured out into this amazing city on our own. our personal guide, Shannon Vogelaar, had a previous engagement so.....she tucked us into a taxi to Kabatas where we caught the tram to Sultan Ahmet Square in the heart of "Old Town".

We walked through the square to the Sultan Ahamet Mosque...."The Blue Mosque". It is the most splendid mosque of Istanbul, constructed between 1603-1617. Although many other mosques were built after this one, none were as large or elegant. it is known worldwide as the Blue Mosque from the mainly blue Iznik tile work decorating its interior and dome.

We strolled the beautiful gardens and walkways to the Hagia Sophia, a Roman Monument constructed in the Byzantine Age ( 537 ) .It was used as a church for 916years - then served the Moslems as a Mosque for 481 years. in 1934 , after extensive restoration the building was opened as a Museum.... The most visited in Turkey. Hagia Sophia represents Divine Wisdom.

Had a nice lunch before descending underground to see the Basicilica Cistern, a vast underground water cistern laid out in 532. The Cisterns roof is held up by 336 columns from different Roman structures. At the very back are two Giant Medusa heads , used as column bases. CooL ! ! !

We rode tram back to Kabatas where Peter and Shannon rescued three weary travelers home to another lovely dinner on balcony.

Iyi Aksamlar ( good evening) from the traveling Gramis and King

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Turkey is one of the most glamorous countries on the whole planet. i have visited each and every Masjid of Istanbul and Ankara. i loved your post and everything you described in it was so beautiful Sondi. thanks alot for the post. :) www.lovely-travel.com