Istanbul ( + Turkey in general ) has been the most anticipated part of our trip - on account of being such a diverse culture from our own / the architecture + not having been here previously - and we've certainly not been disappointed.
|
| Anotolia Suites St. Sophia |
Our accommodation is in the middle of Sultanahmet ( the old town center ) and only 5 or 10 minutes walk to a lot of the main sights + attractions - It's a typical 19th-century Timber Ottoman House
Prior to Turkey becoming a Rebublic in 1923, it was part of the Ottoman Empire ( begining in 1299 / Ruled by the Sultans who were Muslin - so we visited a few Mosques ( The 'Blue' Mosque / Suleymaniye Mosque and my favourite the Haghia Sophia - originally built as a Christian Church over 1400 years ago then converted to a Muslim Mosque 900 years later - now a UNESCO World Heritage site )
The 'Blue' Mosque
 |
| Haghia Sophia |
Amongst a few other places we also visited Topkapi Palace ( where the Sultans lived ) / Basilica Cistern ( a Byzantian underground water cistern built in 532 ) / the Grand Bazaar ( about 4400 small booth like shops under one roof hard-selling anything + everything ) / the Spice Bazaar and finally, had a Turkish Bath House experience at the Suleymaniye Hamam - a fabulous couple of days with lots of stories to tell
 |
| Basilica Cistern |
 |
| The Grand Bazaar |
 |
| The Spice Bazaar |
 |
| All scrubbed + soothed at Suleymaniye Hamam |
wow! that looks awesome...I want to go to Turkey!!
ReplyDeleteInteresting history and loving the building styles =) glad you are well and enjoying yourselves xox
Wow! Looks like you are having an amazing time(especially love the designer towels!! could look good on the Mount beach this summer haha). Bryan wants to know have you been to the Midnight Express Cafe? Keep the photos coming - such beautiful buildings. Have fun xx
ReplyDeleteShona and Ron - you should have taken larger suitcases so you could have had some clothes to wear!
ReplyDelete