Today was all about history. The group spent their day in Sultanahmet, the peninsula that defines Istanbul and showcases its his. First on the agenda was Topkapi Palace, from which Ottoman Sultans ruled their Empire through the 19th century. Visits to the Holy Relics and jewelry exhibits were outdone only by the stunning architecture itself. With three courtyards and a fabulous location at the meeting-point of the Bosphorous Strait, Golden Horn and Marmara Sea, Topkapi Palace's mosaics and gateways were beautiful.
Next up was the Basilica Cistern, one of 25 in Istanbul and its biggest. The Cisterns served as water storage facilities during Roman times but this one was since turned into a museum. Lit by amber lights over the water, this cavern of columns was an arresting sight and offered valuabl insight into how the ancient city of Constantinople dealt with logistical issues like water access.
Lunch at Tamara restaurant included lentil soup, fresh salads and an entree that offered a little bit of everything- spiced chicken wings, lahmacun, rice, cheese pide and several variations of meat kebabs. Baklava and watermelon finished the meal and sustained our travelers enough to explore the second half of their tour of Sultanahmet.
The Blue Mosque is so named for the gorgeous blue colors of its internal decorations. With soaring domes and elaborate calligrahy, stopping in this still-working mosque was a treat. After crossing the parks and fountain between them, our group then visited Haghia Sophia, Turkey's best-known landmark.
First a Byzantine church and then an Ottoman mosque, Haghia Sophia is now a museum. It features gold-tiled mosaics of Christian scenes as well as enormous Arabic calligraphic medallions, plus a Christian alter and Muslim mihrab, which indicates the direction of Mecca. Haghia Sophia exemplifies Turkey's unique history in its displays of both significant Christian features and important Islamic elements. With its large archways and dramatic domes, the building is itself a feat to encounter. Our group listened to information about Haghia Sophia through headsets that linked to our tour guide, Aykut, so that he didn't have to yell for 28 people; We think he was glad for the headsets.
The group rested at the hotel before venturing to a nearby restaurant for dinner. Tomorrow brings our first major move- a bus ride to Ankara!
Coooooo
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