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Published: April 19th 2015
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An entry point to The Blue Mosque
First stop was the Blue Mosque built in 1603 -1617 during the Ottoman Empire. It’s the blue tiled interior that gives its name. The forecast was spot on for today: dull with cloud, showers and cool. It seemed to get cooler as the day progressed. Such a contrast to our previous days! Nevertheless, spirits were bright as we boarded the bus at 8:20am ready for a day of sight seeing.
There is so much rich history in Istanbul, formerly known as Constantinople. It was this city that was the ultimate objective of the whole Gallipoli campaign.
First stop was the Blue Mosque built in 1603 -1617 during the Ottoman Empire. It’s the blue tiled interior that gives its name. We had to wear a head scarf and remove our shoes; this mark of respect was cause for contemplation and reverence. This mosque is still used for prayer 5 times a day so tours are managed around the prayer times. We were just about to exit the mosque when I saw my cousin; what a joy that was for us! Carolyn and her husband Jeff are on the Gallipoli Cruise and had just docked in Istanbul today. We didn’t think our paths would cross. Mum was ecstatic!
The Aya Sofia, originally a Byzantine Church, now a museum, was our next
place to visit. A beautiful building with an extremely rich historical significance, it’s the oldest cathedral in the world. Commencing as a Christian place of worship 15 centuries ago, it has been used for Greek Orthodox and Muslim worship.
Next, we walked to the Basilica Cistern. A fascinating structure used for water storage in the Byzantine/Ottoman eras. The entrance was narrow and steps were wet but the effort was worthwhile. There are still carp swimming around in the low water level. They were introduced as a means of filtering the water; they ate the algae. Really interesting were the carvings of Medusa’s head supporting two of the columns.
Lunch time! We were well and truly ready for some sustenance after the morning’s walk and exploration…and to prepare for the afternoon’s visit to Topkapi Palace. Our wonderfully knowledgeable Turkish guide, Okan (call-me- shiny-head-but-look-for-the-red-hood-of-my-jacket-today), showed us the best places to eat. We opted for the Pudding Shop…the photos will show why!
Next, a rather long walk to Topkapi Palace; umbrellas up and down, scarves on, huddling to keep warm. It was worth the effort. What a huge arrangement of buildings! The entrance, eunuchs’
quarters, concubines’ area, family area, sultan’s residence…it goes on! The view from the top was fabulous across the Bosphorus (pity the sun wasn’t shining to show it in all its glory). A few of us sat out the last 45 minutes and missed seeing the relic area; the queues had grown significantly due to the Gallipoli Cruise ships being in port today. A certain 90 year old really needed to rest! It was delightful chatting with fellow pilgrims and learning their reasons for being on the tour. (Photos of Topkapi Palace will be added to the next blog)
Time to return to the bus; you could hear the sighs of relief and achievement. A big day but very worthwhile. The historical significance and the engineering of these constructions is astonishing.
Mum’s comment when we returned to the hotel: “It was a strenuous day but I made it! It was interesting.”
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Irene Buck
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Sharing your experiences
Oh Jan I am so enjoying your travel stories. You are doing such a good job I feel in my heart I am doing the trip with you. Such a wonderful experience with your beautiful mum, she seems to be attracting quite a bit of love and attention, as she should doing such a trip she is to be commended. Loving the photos too keep them coming! Stay safe and enjoy Love Irene