2 Go Istanbul
Up Istanbul Part 2 Istanbul Part 3

Istanbul is a great city.  With loads of sites, a picturesque setting on the water, and a pleasant climate, we had a great time during our 3 day stay.  And we were busy, as there was much to do.

 

The graceful Blue Mosque (otherwise known as sultan Ahmet Camii), one of the landmarks of Istanbul.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The interior of the Blue Mosque is glorious.  With dome upon dome, and the wonderful tiles (including the many blue ones, from which the Mosque derives its name), the structure is breathtaking.

 

 

Another of Istanbul's landmarks, and sitting directly across from the Blue Mosque, is the Aya Sofya.  For almost 1000 years, this was the largest church in all of the Christian world.  But when Istanbul was conquered by the Arab Turks in 1453, it was converted to a mosque.

 

 

 

 

The interior of the Aya Sofya is overwhelming in its size.  It is also an intriguing blend of Christianity and Islam (in the photo to the left, a mosaic of the Virgin Mary with her baby Jesus appears on the half dome towards the to[ left of the photo, while below and the right appears Arabic medallions with the name of Allah and Mohammed).  While it was a church, it was noted for its beautiful mosaics that covered its interior.  When it was converted to a mosque, however, these mosaics were plastered over.  Fortunately, some were capable of being restored, such as the image of Christ below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Continue to Istanbul Part 2.

 

 

 

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