Istanbul…

Ron and I decided to take advantage of our proximity to other continents and take a weekend trip to Istanbul.  From Cairo it is only two hours by air.  What a deal!  It was, indeed, worth it.

Istanbul is the only city that spans two continents, those being Europe and Asia.   The city is divided by the Bosphorus Straight,which connects the Black Sea and the Mediterranean (indirectly, by way of the Sea of Marmara).  People, vehicles and cargo are linked by several large bridges and frequent ferries.  We were surprised by the diverse architectural styles, the rather clean, fresh feel of the city and the cultural openness.  Walking is easy, signs are abundant and their meaning is clear.  The metro is modern and clean, the bus system is extensive and efficient.  Historic sites we visited were well preserved, restored and maintained.  They certainly try to put their best foot forward and from what we could see, they succeed!

Our Hotel

Streets were clean and beautiful.

Many guests tried to get this parrot to talk and whistle, but Ron was the only one while we were there that was successful. The “parrot whisperer!”

Topkapi Palace entrance. Principal Residence of the Ottoman Sultans from 15th to 19th century.

Elaborate brickwork at one of many domes at the Palace entrance.

Tiled and painted ceiling in the Palace circumscision room.

Hot Coals were placed in this “stove” which was located in the center of the room for warmth in winter months.

There were unending, beautiful tile designs.

Tiles on the ceiling inside the Palace.

Saint Sophia Church built by Emperor Justinian in the early 6th century. Converted to a mosque in 1453, but many Christian designs remain intact.

Beautiful architecture and painting inside Saint Sophia.

Doors made of marble inside Saint Sophia. All columns and floors were of marble as well.

One remaining mosaic inside Saint Sophia – remarkably intact.

One of many crosses inside Saint Sophia. Some were chipped off when converted to a mosque.

Painting of Mary and Jesus inside St. Sophia. It was beautiful but the lighting was difficult and my camera is a point and shoot.

View of Asia from Europe – across the Balphorus Strait.

Balphorus Strait in the background.

Mosque on the water.

LOTS of minatrets.

Large mosque against the skyline.

Dome in the Blue Mosque.

Tiled, domed ceiling in the Blue Mosque. The Blue Mosque gets it’s name from the many blue tiles inside the mosque.

Mosque in Istanbul at sunset.

Istanbul Metro Train. Very nice.

Eclectic architecture…

Dinner inIstanbul.

Grand Bazaar – huge, old, covered market. Good shopping but not as good as the Souk in Cairo.

I really like these huge old doors.. in case you can’t tell.

Another beautiful door.

Another door!

Balphorus Strait

Cigar wins out over sheesha.

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Turkish pride.

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