Heading off to a completely different corner of the world today – the city of Istanbul in Turkey! This is one of those must see cities of the world. Seriously, it has so much to offer. Located in the north-west of Turkey and encompassing both banks of the Bosphorus River, Istanbul is a city that spans and connects Europe and Asia. Given it’s geographical importance, it should come as no surprise to hear that settlements in the area can be traced back as far as the 7th Century BC!! With such a lengthy past is it no wonder it’s one of the world’s most fascinating places.
I’ve opted for a more photographic approach to today. The history is too long and the list of things to see in Istanbul is too great, so I’m selecting a couple of key points about the city. Apologies in advance for the quality of some of these photographs!
Construction on the historic Hagia Sophia commenced during the reign of Byzantine emperor Justinian I in 532AD, it’s original purpose being a Christian place of worhip. However, following the triumph of the Ottoman Empire over the Byzantines in the 15th century, the building was converted into a mosque. It remained this way until the mid-1930’s when it’s purpose was changed yet again … to the museum you see today. The dome of the Hagia Sophia has long been regarded as a pioneering move in architectural development. Now, I’m not a fan of organised religion of any sort but what I love about the Hagia Sophia is it’s ability to blend the history and beliefs of two of the worlds great religions – Christianity and Islam. The large disks you see in the second photo were put up when it was converted to a mosque, as the religious icons were prohibited. But as you see, there are now sections where those images have been uncovered and restored. It’s a testament to Turkey’s acceptance of people of all faiths.
Situated next to the Hagia Sophia and a short walk across the road is the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or Blue Mosque. This stunning (and still functioning) place of worship got it’s “other” name from the thousands of small blue mosaic tiles that line its interior. Built in 1609, you can see that it has some similar architectural design features to the Hagia Sophia. It was a refreshing oasis of peace and quiet in this busy cosmopolitan city. I took my lunch in a nearby park, with wonderful views of these landmarks, the call to prayer ringing out over the city. It was an unreal experience.
Some other notable sights in Istanbul:
This post is part of my contribution to the April 2017 A-Z Challenge
For a list and links to my other challenge posts please click here
For those interested in revisiting my 2016 challenge post for I, here’s the link: Snapshot – Island Temple of Isis
Great post. So hard to talk about Istanbul without writing a guidebook lol. And the photos are good, no worries there.
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Thanks, Ger. You’re so right – I love my history, as you know, but even that was too daunting a task for me to squish into a tiny blog post 🙂 Very kind of you re the photos too!
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Such a beautiful place it is Kim. The pictures are great! The blue mosque picture reminded me of Sheikh Zayed Mosque at Abu Dhabi!
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Thank you, Radhika. Very kind of you. I haven’t been to Abu Dhabi but I have heard the mosque there is quite spectacular as well.
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Yes absolutely!!
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I had never seen this side of Istanbul before. The architecture looks so rich in culture and the waterfront view is beautiful.
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I think a lot of people probably think it would just be another city … but you’re right, it’s architecture, history & waterfront location all give it a certain unique charm. Thanks for reading 🙂
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Great post!
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Thank you!
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I am in awe of your travels! And glad that you share your stories and photos with the rest of us!
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Thank you, Ann. That’s very kind of you and I’m so grateful for the support I get from yourself and others.
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Great pictures! I’m likely heading to Istanbul this summer, so this gave me some good ideas of what I want to see.
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Oh how exciting, Jen! You’ll have a wonderful time. Istanbul is a fascinating city. Actually, Turkey in general is. Will you be seeing more than Istanbul?
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Beautiful pictures! Thanks for sharing
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Thanks so much, Mike. Thanks for reading!
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Another place on my list of destinations to visit some day.
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I hope you get there eventually, it really does have a lot on offer for visitors.
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Lovely pictures, Istanbul is another place I wouldn’t have thought to go but it looks lovely. Although when looking at the Basilica Cistern I fell like I’ve seen that in a movie or something, it looks really familiar but I just can’t place it 🙂
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It is quite lovely, Raven. Hmm I wonder if that Basilica Cistern has been in a movie? It’s certainly possible & now you’ve said it I’m thinking you might be right 🤔
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I never made it to Istanbul in my travels in my 20s – I’d covered most of Western Europe and some of Eastern Europe and it was on my list when “life happened” and my travelling stage ended. Thank you for this wonderful post which makes me feel – in very little pieces – what it must be like there.
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You’re welcome, Louise. Glad I got to bring a little Istanbul your way. Who knows what life might bring? You may well get there one day, with family in tow 😊
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Very true! Thanks again 🙂
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Wow!! You’re really well-traveled! You’re a travel inspiration. Excited to see your other posts!
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Thank you, Andy! I’ve been fortunate in my travels so far but there’s still so much left that I want to see 🙂
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Another the place have wanted to visit especially after reading Orhan Pamuk’s Isantbul and now your post.
Your pictures were all pretty nice Kim. Don’t be so hard on yourself😊
Love
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Thanks, Natasha. I haven’t read that book, I’ll have to have a look at it and see what it’s about. Always nice to get a new recommendation!
Lol I guess that aren’t so bad. Just the more I get interested in photography, the more I look at what could’ve been done better.
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I want to go here! Haha!
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You’d enjoy it I think! Lots to see!
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