Istanbul

I know it has been awhile but we are finally on the move again. Can you believe this trip was planned eighteen months ago. Unusual for us! We have sold a house and moved (3 days before we left) . Oops, I forgot to tell you…we are off to explore Istanbul then moving to join a tour of Azerbaijan, Armenia and Georgia so be prepared to be busy. But first Istanbul…

Istanbul has been known by other names as it was once a Roman settlement, then Byzantine and then the centre of the Ottoman empire, It is positioned so that it is linked to Asia, Russia, the Middle East and Europe by its waterways. Consequently, it was the hub for the Silk Road and it seas carried  goods from both Europe and Asia.You are well positioned to explore the old city as your hotel is central to all the sights in the old city.

As the old city is on a peninsular with the Bosporus, the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea edging its 3 sides,water was a major concern in times of siege. Water  provision through aqueducts, fountains and cisterns were developed. Many are connected to the main tourists sites and consequently cost a fortune to visit. Gulane Cistern is a small water supply in a park. It is now used for art displays and performances,

Gulane Park was created following years of fires that destroyed various areas of the city, it is a fire break to protect some of the more  signifiant  buildings such as the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia. The park itself is a welcome green area for the locals and has beautiful gardens and park lands.

How did you like the Blue Mosque. It actually has a traditional name but as most of the tiles are blue and the carpet used to be blue, it adopted that name for the tourist( the carpet is now red).

   Minuets were originally added so the call to prayers radiated to the community.Now they just use microphones.

The gold square between the bottom two windows near the column shows the direction of Mecca. The structure to the right is like a pulpit where the Imran preaches from on Fridays.

Gladiators use to put Christians into the hippodrome to fight against other people or against lions. This eventually became unpopular. Horse racing became popular, Now all that is left of the Hippodrome is the open area and a column.

The bottom of the column is from the Roman era and the top part was brought from Egypt by a later ruler.

Another column that is a remnant of a ruler is the column of Constantine….I guess all leaders like to feel they have left something,don’t you.

The Germans during World War 1 left this fountain

Tired ? Well there is more to explore but you still have time….Hagia Sophia perhaps, tram rides, the Bosphorus… a traditional Turkish bath or perhaps the Grand Bazaar….all for another and hopefully cooler day.

Early start tomorrow as we are going to Gallipoli. Off to bed!