This morning we got up and had a nice turkish breakfast in the hotel and then started off to the Metro.
First Stop Hagia Sophia Museum. The Hagia Sophia was built from 527-565 AD. It was a Christian church for 916 years and then when the Turks conquered Constantinople Hagia Sophia was turned into a Mosque. It is now a museum.
The day was cloudy, drizzly and cold. We bought an umbrella and warm hats for the day.
Ancient remnants of the first Hagia Sophia built between 324-337 AD.
Entrance to the Hagia Sophia
Mosaic ceiling entrance and door to the interior domed basilica. Notice the mosaic of Christ above the door.
The large dome is lit by several huge iron chandeliers.
Five gates and nine vaulted sections lead to the interior dome. All covered with beautiful gold mosaics. and elaborate fresco.
Inside is a mixture of islamic and christian decoration.
The focal point is the grand mosaic of Mary and the Baby Jesus
Next we walked across the street to the Basilica Cistern or Underground Palace. It is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city. Originally built by Constantinius I. It is 460 feet long and 230 feet wide. It contains 336 columns each 16 feet high.
Medusa heads at the bottom of the last two columns.
Cakes at a Turkish bakery
Pomegranates everywhere.
Turkish lunch in a touristy restaurant.
Constantinus Column
The Grand Bazar Istanbul.
The largest, covered Bazar in the world. Dates back to the 1400's.
I got me one of these hanging ball things for the apartment. I thought it was cool.
New Years Eve night on Independence Street. We were a little disappointed. Not much going on and no organized celebration. Mostly young Turkish men just whooping it up. It got very crowed and noisy so we didn't stay long.
Went into this store for baklava and turkish delight.
Turkish Delight
Galata Tower built in 1349
Walked around and found this ancient tower. It was closed, but we came back New Years day and went to the top for lunch.
View from the top of Galata Tower. It was very cold, rainy and windy.
Last stop of the day the Egyptian Spice Market.
This was interesting. If you look closely you can see goat heads, goat legs and hooves. Jon asked how much the goats heads where and they told us 5 lyra which is about $3.00 US.
I never knew goat heads were so reasonably priced :)
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