Having ensured the boat was left safely in Gochek we flew up to Istanbul for a few days.
We found it quite overwhelming with it's huge population of over 14 million. Heavy traffic and packed trams on the roads, boats of all sizes on the Golden Horn and Bospheros all contributed to our sense of frenetic activity.
The Blue Mosque
There were some wonderful sights. I took this shot of the Blue Mosque from the hotel roof.
The next day we went off to visit the Mosque and found that the interior was just as magnificent. Visitors are only allowed entry when there there are no services.
Known as the Blue Mosque because of the wonderful blue tiles from Iznik.
The Grand Bazaar......
We also visited the Grand Bazaar with it's never-ending passages of treasures and great for last minute gifts.
The Spice Bazaar
Alan was more interested in the Spice Bazaar, which was amazing. Everywhere in Turkey we have found such beautiful produce.
Great windows full of Turkish Delight, and stalls with Pomegranates.
AYA SOFIA
Completed in 537, it was the greatest Church in the Christian World before the Ottoman Conquest in 1453 when it was converted to a Mosque. In 1935 Ataturk proclaimed it was to be a Museum.
We look forward to returning to Istanbul next April.
We found it quite overwhelming with it's huge population of over 14 million. Heavy traffic and packed trams on the roads, boats of all sizes on the Golden Horn and Bospheros all contributed to our sense of frenetic activity.
The Blue Mosque
There were some wonderful sights. I took this shot of the Blue Mosque from the hotel roof.
The next day we went off to visit the Mosque and found that the interior was just as magnificent. Visitors are only allowed entry when there there are no services.
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Known as the Blue Mosque because of the wonderful blue tiles from Iznik.
The Grand Bazaar......
We also visited the Grand Bazaar with it's never-ending passages of treasures and great for last minute gifts.
The Spice Bazaar
Alan was more interested in the Spice Bazaar, which was amazing. Everywhere in Turkey we have found such beautiful produce.
Great windows full of Turkish Delight, and stalls with Pomegranates.
AYA SOFIA
Completed in 537, it was the greatest Church in the Christian World before the Ottoman Conquest in 1453 when it was converted to a Mosque. In 1935 Ataturk proclaimed it was to be a Museum.
We look forward to returning to Istanbul next April.
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