ISTANBUL
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan
Ahmed Mosque, resembles a huge, shimmering blue gem from the outside. As an
iconic landmark and an elegant example of architecture, it stands as one of the
most beautiful sights in Istanbul. Before entering, visitors must remove their
shoes and place them in a provided plastic bag, and adhere to a dress code of
modest attire.
Ironically, the exterior is not
predominantly blue, except for the blue tiles that adorn its facade. Inside,
the Blue Mosque is adorned with 20,000 blue tiles lining the high ceiling,
creating a mesmerizing visual effect. The interior's striking feature is the
beautifully arranged cascade of domes that seem to spill down from the great
central dome. Originally filled with 17th-century stained glass, the interior
is now lit by 260 windows, some of which have been replaced with replicas.
The experience of being inside the Blue Mosque is indescribable; it's a wonderful feeling that overwhelms you. As you walk out, you feel proud to have visited this stunning historical place, leaving with a profound sense of inner satisfaction.
Located within walking distance from the Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia is a perfect synthesis of Byzantine and Ottoman influences under one magnificent dome. Once a church, then a mosque, Hagia Sophia is now a museum, universally recognized as one of the great buildings in the world, steeped in history. Its interior, decorated with mosaics and marble pillars of immense artistic value, tells a story of its rich past.
Just a two-minute walk from the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia, the Hippodrome showcases the Egyptian Obelisk on a marble base, sculpted with scenes of Emperor Theodosius and his family. The spiral column in the middle commemorates the Greeks' victory over the Persians in 480 BC. Originally a horse racing track, the Hippodrome is now a public garden with a road running around it. On my tour, there wasn’t much to see except for the historical significance of the site, which was brought to life by our guide's explanations.
What makes the Bosphorus Cruise unique and special? The famous Bosphorus Bridge connects the southern part of Istanbul to the western side, bridging Asia and Europe. The cruise offers a comprehensive view of Istanbul, including landmarks like the New Mosque, Galata Tower, Blue Mosque, Hagia Sophia, Topkapi Palace, the 600 historic houses from the Ottoman period, and the modern mansions of the rich and famous.
Whether you choose to stand or sit, you can enjoy the unfolding scenery on both sides or in front of you. It's a moment to relax, watch, and enjoy the breeze, letting your mind wander. Missing the Bosphorus Cruise would be a loss, despite its cost. It's an essential part of the Istanbul experience.
The Spice Bazaar is a sensory overload of sights and smells, with a vast array of Turkish products ranging from sweets and spices to clothes, gold, and knick-knacks. Food stalls and eateries also abound. For those who love to shop or pick up souvenirs, this is the place to be. The bazaar is lined with shops on both sides, inviting you to explore and take in the vibrant atmosphere. Although I didn't buy anything and left within an hour, I enjoyed the warm welcome from the friendly traders. Unlike some other countries' bazaars where traders might ignore you, here they are genuinely welcoming and eager to assist.
The Grand Bazaar offers a similar experience to the Spice Bazaar, with rows of shops selling a variety of goods. Having already visited the Spice Bazaar, I found the Grand Bazaar somewhat redundant. However, I did indulge in some Turkish delights, which come in so many varieties that it's hard to choose. The traders here are also exceptionally friendly and persuasive, embodying true sales and marketing skills. While the products are enticing, be mindful of the prices and convert them to your local currency to avoid overspending. This applies not only to sweets but to all items you're considering purchasing.
Sprawled across a vast area, Topkapi Palace is not only the largest but also one of the most iconic sites in Istanbul. Constructed between 1466 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmet II, the palace sits majestically atop a hill overlooking the Sea of Marmara to the south, the Bosphorus Strait to the northeast, and offering breathtaking views of the Asian side. For nearly 400 years, it served as the residence of Ottoman Sultans until the construction of Dolmabahce Palace in 1924, after which it was converted into a museum by Ataturk's decree.
Explore at your leisure - the palace beckons with its four main courtyards, numerous buildings, and countless rooms filled with a treasure trove of artifacts including porcelain, robes, weapons, Islamic art, and murals. A highlight not to be missed is the Imperial Harem, comprising over 400 rooms where the sultan's mother, wives, and concubines resided. Note that photography is permitted only in designated areas outside.
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