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This is Yerebatan Saray, the Sunken Palace Cistern. Well below street level is an enormous storage tank supported by 336 columns. This cistern has been well maintained. It is a joy to visit and listen to the classical music and feel drops of water occasionally drip on your head.
Some of the columns sit on blocks carved into Medussa heads. The legend of Medussa is that any man who looked at her would turn to stone. Medussa finally met her match when a fellow pulled out a mirror. This caused Medussa to turn herself into stone.
During our last full day in Istanbul, we visited Topkapi Saraya, the sumptuous palace of the ottoman Sultans from 1462 until roughly 1923. Enormous and dotted with all manner of sights and exhibits, it is a fascinating place. One of the highlights is a tour of the Harem, the private quarters for the Sultan, his wives, and concubines (sometimes, as many as 300). This is the Emporer's Chamber, where the Sultan and his women would gather for entertainment, often consisting of a musicians sitting in the balcony above.
In addition to the Palace and grounds, there are also an amazing array of museum type exhibits, ranging from the footprints and hair of the Prophet Mohammed, to thrones lavishly decorated, such as the one seen here (upon which the Sultan would sit).
Enjoying the view and breezes from the Balcony of Life, a wonderful terrace at Topkapi which, in times gone by, afforded the Sultan a glorious view of the Sea of Marmara and the Bosphrous Strait.
One of the real highlights of Topkapi is the intricate and beautiful tile work that can be seen everywhere. Islamic art forbids the depiction of humans (not even Mohammed) or animals, so instead the art focuses on geometric and floral patterns.
Kelly matches well with the blue tiled background.
And that is that. |
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