We went to Istanbul for our second spring break weekend. When we first arrived at our hotel, we went straight to the top to check out the view. In the upper left photo, you can see the Bosporus Strait with Asia, the Sea of Marmara and the Princes' Islands beyond. In the upper right photo you can see the Golden Horn inlet with Topkapi Palace, the Blue Mosque, and Hagia Sophia in the distance. We loved our crow's nest perch and went up there every afternoon once we were done with our sight seeing.
Our hotel in Istanbul is located about where the "t" in "Galata" is on this map. To the left of the Bosporus is Europe. To the right is Asia. The Bosporus is a natural strait that connects the Aegean and the Sea of Marmara to the Black Sea.
Istanbul is BIG, with a population of 13 to 16 million, depending on your source. There are 2,944 active mosques in Istanbul. Turkey is 98% Muslim, but only 45% are practicing Muslims. Unlike the Arabian Peninsula, most don't pray 5 time a day, fast during Ramadan, or wear conservative clothing.
Taksim Square, a five minute walk from our hotel, is the business hub of Istanbul. The riot police made us a little nervous, but we were told they were there to celebrate "Police Day". We didn't see or hear of any riots, so we'll go with the Police Day claim.
Just beyond Taksim Square is Istiklal Caddesi, an amazing three kilometers long pedestrian street that is packed with shops, restaurants, and night clubs. It's incredibly crowded, but somehow doesn't feel agoraphobic. You just go with the flow.
Turkish lamps and pottery in one of the stores.
We stumbled across a narrow covered side street with about a half dozen restaurant options, complete with live music and cats lurking under tables, ready to pounce on any morsel you drop.
We couldn't decide between the Fried Brain or the Crap Legs.
Unlike Abu Dhabi, big dogs are standard here, usually off leash and unattended. They are all surprisingly well behaved and nobody seems to mind. Cool cats are also common.
On our first full day, we toured the old town of Sultanahmet...
Hagia Sophia, built in just 5 years from 532 to 537, was originally an Eastern Orthodox Church under Justinian. One reason it was built so fast is it used columns and other materials from existing buildings elsewhere. It was converted briefly into a Catholic Church and then a Mosque in 1453 (when the minarets were added) before being turned into a museum in 1935, after Turkey became a secular country. The innovative design of the pendentives allowed for a large dome and brought in lots of natural light. It is an excellent example of Byzantine architecture and became a model for Mosques throughout the world. The layers of Christian mosaics and Islamic elements create an incredibly rich and unique space.
The Sultan Ahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque), modeled after the Hagia Sophia, is known for the blue tiles throughout the interior. It was also built in just 5 years, between 1609 and 1616, during the Ottoman Empire.
On the left, water for ablution outside of the Blue Mosque. On the right, our guide in front of one of the two Egyptian obelisks that remain from the Roman Hippodrome, brought in by Constantine when Istanbul was the center of the Roman Empire and called Constantinople.
The Grand Bazaar, exterior and interior
Hanging out in the Old Town.
Rustem Pasha Mosque, with Tulip Tiles.
Topkapi Palace is an impressive meandering conglomeration of buildings where the Sultans of the vast Ottoman Empire lived from 1465 to 1853. It is now a museum for the Ottoman jewels, gems, and arms.
The Pela Palas Hotel was built as a destination for passengers getting off the Orient Express. Lots of famous people have slept here, including Agatha Christie who wrote "Murder on the Orient Express" while staying in room 411.
Fancy food at the Agatha Restaurant.
Contrary to popular belief, tulips are originally from Turkey, not Holland. These last photos were taken in a park on the Asian side of Istanbul, overlooking Europe.
