May 2022
I have been wanting to go to Istanbul for many years, and it was totally worth the wait. Istanbul, formerly Constantinople, has a fascinating history, serving as the link between Europe and Asia. Today it is a vibrant city with delicious food, friendly people, and exquisite markets.
I arrived on the Asian side, then crossed the Bosphorus to stay on the European side.
I had a nice view of the Blue Mosque for my first meal.
Such a photogenic dog.
The interior dome of the Blue Mosque under, or perhaps over, renovations.
The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are directly across from each other.
Hagia Sophia means “holy wisdom.” It was originally a church when it was part of the Byzantine Empire (eastern Roman Empire).
Now Hagia Sophia is a mosque. The curtains cover depictions of Jesus. While Jesus is an important prophet in Islam, Muslims do not believe in worshiping idols or depictions of people. That is why you do not see any faces in mosques. Churches that have been converted to mosques may retain some depictions of religious figures, but they will be covered if they are in the direction of prayer towards Mecca.
This depiction of the Virgin Mary and baby Jesus remains in the mosque because it is not in the direction of prayer and both are important figures in Islam.
Information about Islam.
These are coffins of Sultans. Sultans are like kings in the Muslim world.
Behind Hagia Sophia is the Topkapi Palace. This served as the official residence and administrative office for the Ottoman Sultans in the 15th and 16th centuries.
Ottoman throne room.
Science and learning has always been an important aspect of muslim life. Historically, muslims have made major contributions to various domains of knowledge and played a crucial role in the preservation of many significant texts, while also being widely accepting of religious differences. This was so important because for centuries christian authorities actively suppressed differing ideologies and destroyed information contradictory to their agenda.
Historic carpets, one square meter can have up to 80,000 knots.
Muslim wedding dress, interesting to see a non white wedding dress.
Thanks to a recommendation from fellow tourists, I decided to check out Dolmabahçe Palace. This 19th/20th century Ottoman Palace was certainly a highlight.
Incredible chandeliers.
The princes would ride a horse to the ceremony, not away.
The Sultan’s washroom.
Lineage of Ottoman Sultans.
Mehmed II, aka Mehmed the Conqueror, is perhaps the most significant of Ottoman Sultans. He took Constantinople, now Istanbul, from the Byzantines in 1453. He was only 21 years old. This historic victory would go on to play a major role in changing global power dynamics.
With the land based Silk Road connection between Europe and Asia in muslim hands, christian Europe lost access to trade with the far wealthier and more advanced Asian cultures. This increased Europeans interest in seeking alternative naval routes to Asia, initiating the age of exploration. In 1492, just 39 years after Mehmed II took Constantinople, Christopher Columbus set sail seeking a western route to the east and inadvertently discovered the Americas in the process. This accidental discovery, and the ensuing extreme exploitation of the Americans, played a significant role in European powers becoming the wealthiest and most powerful in the world.
One of the best things about Istanbul are the markets. Lots of color and energy.
This is the Grand Bazar, with over 4,000 shops and around 400,000 daily visitors, it is one of the largest and oldest markets in the world.
Masterful ceramics and carpets throughout the city.
The Galata Tower, was originally a watchtower under they Byzantines. It is now a museum and great place to get a view.
Salt Bae is right next to the tower.
Lots of ways to get colorful sweets.
The entire bridge was lined with fisherman.
Istanbul is a bustling city, this was the most crowded street I have ever been on.
The Süleymaniye Mosque was built in the 16th century. Since it was built to be a mosque, unlike Hagia Sophia, you do not see any depictions of religious figures inside, in other words, no faces.
I was told many times that men and women are equal here, and that in numerous ways women are actually more respected.
This is where men pray.
This is where women pray.
Muslim graveyard.
Turkish delight and Baklava are both delightful.
Tea is also very popular in Turkey.
My last supper.
So many great restaurants and delicious food throughout Istanbul.
I had a fun time dressing up as a Sultan, made all the better by this stray kitten running in off the street and jumping into my photoshoot.
I really enjoyed Istanbul and look forward to returning to Turkey to explore more.