A very full day included: the underground Cistern, Haggia Sophia, the Roman Hippodrome, the Blue Mosque and the Grand Bazaar. Our evening cruise on the Bosphorus took us to dinner at the restaurant Del Mare on the Asia Minor side of Istanbul.
Byzantine Bacilica Cistern was laid out under Justinian in 532 mainly to satisfy the growing demands for water for the Great Palace.Figure of Medusa in Cistern column.Hagia Sophia, the “church of holy wisdom”, is more that 1,400 years old and is one of the world’s greatest architectural achievements. Splendid Byzantine mosaics include this one which depicts Christ flanked by Emperor Constantine IX and his wife, the Empress Zoe.left: The Door to Mecca. right: 17th-Century minbar, stairs leading to podium where the imam lead prayers on Friday. Blue Mosque built by Sultan Ahmet I.
The Blue Mosque, which takes its name from the mainly blue Iznik tilework decorating its interior, is one of the most famous religious buildings in the world. The Blue Mosque was built by Sultan Ahemet I between 1609-16, during the period of declining Ottoman fortunes. Architect Mehmet Aga designed it with six minarets which was considered a sacrilegious attempt to rival the archeture of Mecca itself. To solve the trouble he was in, they commissioned a seventh minaret to be added to the Mosque at Mecca.
The Loge accomodated the Sulltan and his entourage during mosque services.The Blue MosqueHagia SophiaGrande Bazaar ….4,000 shops!!
Obelisk standing in the location of the Hippodrome of Constantinople, a circus that was the sporting and social center, of the capital of Byzantine Empire.Blessed Mary with baby Jesus. Hagia Sophia served as the Cathedral of Constantinople, except in 1204-1261 when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Patriach of Constantinople.Anais & Diann in required (for women) head coverings to visit the Blue Mosque.The “West Point ” of Turkey.Our evening cruise boat On the Bosphorus.One of two large suspension bridge connecting Istanbul’s European side to Istanbul’s Asia Minor side of the Bosphorus.
What pictures, what a trip! A lifetime’s worth of travel to the world’s jewels in 73 days. My mom and I leave for Barcelona (or as Tom would say, Bartheloma) on Wednesday. Diann, I am frazzled just trying to get away for two weeks! I can’t imagine the work the two of you put into planning this trip.
Around The World in Our TBM 
Sounds like that was amazing!!!
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What pictures, what a trip! A lifetime’s worth of travel to the world’s jewels in 73 days. My mom and I leave for Barcelona (or as Tom would say, Bartheloma) on Wednesday. Diann, I am frazzled just trying to get away for two weeks! I can’t imagine the work the two of you put into planning this trip.
Miss you!
xoxoxo
Deb
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