On Day one, we visited the Hagia Sophia that was built by the Emperor Justinian and for over nine centuries it was the center of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and it remains the world’s fourth largest church (537-1453). It contains some of the finest mosaics to have survived from the Byzantine period. Then in 1450's the Byzantine Empire was taken over by the Ottoman Empire at which time the church was converted into a mosque (1453-1931). When it was converted the bells, and alter were removed and the mosaics were plastered over. Then in 1930's the mosque was closed for four years and the Hagia Sophia was reopened as a museum with many of the mosaics uncovered and restored to their best ability. It was interesting going into a building that was home to a former church and a former mosque- a bit heart breaking too. The views of the blue mosque from the windows in the Hagia Sophia were stunning.
On day two, we explored the Topkapi palace which was a lavish home to the Ottoman sultans. This was the place from which the sultans ruled over an empire that stretched from Western Iran to the Atlantic Ocean. There are numerous courtyards, buildings, summer houses, bedrooms, the harem, and it contains a collection of jewelry and costumes, that are apart of the museum. There is a legend that claims that the ancient rod on display in the Pavilion of Holy Relics is the one used by Moses to part the Red Sea. Of course, no pictures were allowed in the museum areas, and to be honest, the rooms, etc. I did not realize the no picture rule, until after I took a picture of the sultan's bedroom- where Jeremy commented that their is such thing as a king size bed and then there is a sultan size bed :-)
Later that day we took a cruise down the Bosphorus. We crossed back and forth between Europe and Asia as Istanbul is the only city in the world that spans two continents. We saw the Galata bridge, spectacular architecture from the palaces and mosques and kept our eyes peeled for dolphins. We also took a small city tour which took us up to the cable cars where we enjoyed seeing the golden horn, interesting cemeteries on the hills because they wanted to be buried closer to the gods, and gorgeous views of the city.
On day three, we visited the Blue Mosque. It is named the Blue Mosque because of its exquisite tile decoration on the interior of the mosque. Its courtyard is exceptionally beautiful, and it is the only mosque in Istanbul to have six minarets. We met a man just prior to going into the mosque that helped us to skip the line (that was worth every penny), and then he gave us a tour of it and explained so many details about it that we would not had known prior. For instances, the places where the muslims would have to wash before prayer, the areas where woman verses men were allowed, and simple things like how the carpet is made so that people know where they put their feet/head. The inside tile was exquisite. (*** We know the girls do not have to wear the scarves on their heads, but because I had too, they wanted to as well ***)
Just outside the mosque is the area of the Hippodrome, where they use to have the chariot races and other public occasions. Known as the Byzantine Hippodrome, it is a city park with numerous statues and monuments, including the Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius, Kaiser Wilhelm II Fountain, serpents' column, etc.
Later that day, we headed to the Suleymaniye Mosque, which was designed by Sinan for Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, this is the grandest and largest mosque in Istanbul, and its great dome and soaring minarets dominate the skyline of the Old City. We also visited the tombs of Süleyman and Roxalana behind the graveyard, the tomb of Sinan outside the complex, and ate kuru fasulye (haricot beans) in one of the many restaurants in the Alley of Addicts.
We did make our way to the spice market...
Then did a bit of shopping at the Grand Bazaar- it has over 4000 shops! We do have to say though, the streets by our hotel, which had an amazing location, had much better prices (those at the market where not willing to bargain for the trinket souvenirs that the girls wanted), but the people who had gotten to know us as we walked by their shops on a daily basis, ended up just giving the girls several items and just talking and loving on us-truly a beautiful culture.
Gulhane Park
This is a beautiful open green park that was literally located right by our hotel (in fact, our hotel looked down on it from its roof top terrace restaurant).
The Food... Turkish food has actually surpassed Italian and Mexican food for me- which use to be my favs. We ALL enjoyed the food- probably a little too much- hehe. We ate everything from the street food, to our favorites were the family style restaurants, and one night, we even ate were you sat on the floor- it was all so yummy!
*In a picture below, there is a group of children all around KK. These sweet children from Sudan were on holiday in Istanbul as well, and saw our girls and wanted to play, so the restaurant opened up the back room and allowed all the children to play hide-n-seek in there. It was a sweet time and such a fun memory. The children were sad when our dessert arrived and they had to stop playing.*
On day four, we explored the Dolmabahce Palace is an extraordinary palace that was built in the 19th century. This is where the Ottoman Empire administered their business and this is where the supreme leader Mustafa Kemal Ataturk lived and died. He died at 9:05 which is the time all the clocks were stopped at and show in respect for him at the palace. Of course, we were not allowed to take pictures inside the palace, where we got to see the crystal staircase, and the largest chandelier in Europe-which was actually imported from England. We did manage to see the harem here as well, and took so many pictures outside of the palace- we really enjoyed our day here.
While we were on that side of the town, we quickly stopped by the Takism Square, Istiklal Caddes and the Galata Tower. We did not stay in these areas for too long. We realized that this was were all the riots do tend to break out, when they do happen, and we did not want to put the girls in any harm. Had we thought it was at all dangerous that day, we would not had gotten off the Metro, but there was a large police presents and our friends (employees) at our hotel had given us the ok, so we decided a quick stop was ok. Thousands of peoples lined the streets as they shopped and went about their day, and just as many tourist were there sight seeing.
The Galata Tower is called the “Great Bastion” by the Byzantines and the “Jesus Tower” by the Genoese, the first foundations of the Galata Tower were laid in 528. The tower, built on a site in Galata which dominates the Golden Horn, Bosphorus and Marmara coasts.
On day five, we got to relax a bit and just finish up some shopping and see the basilica cistern. We also walked the cobble stone Sogukçesme Sokagi, which is by the Hagia Sophia and Topeka Palace and took some pics along the wall...
The Basilica Cistern was the work of Justinian. This is an underground water holding tank (basically). Its roof is supported by over 300 columns and this is the largest cistern in Istanbul.
Down in the Basilica Cistern there was a spot where you can dress up as Sultan's, princesses, etc and the girls were thrilled when they saw it. Daddy was the BEST sport and joined along, but how can you say no, to your two littles begging. The people who took the pictures told us how to pose and when to smile and not smile (yes it was a tourist ploy- but a great memory for the girls :-). Thank you Jeremy for being the best daddy these two little girls could possibly imagine!
Then more pics of the fam :-) - because I cannot have enough, I love them so much!
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