Istanbul (in progress)

Ayasofia

I’m writing to you from the Ayasofia in Istanbul. It is breathtaking to be looking out over the building with the oldest free-standing dome (I’m on the second floor). The Ayasofia’s construction has been used as the format for most mosques. It was constructued by the Byzantines, swarmed by crusaders, repaired by the Byzantines, taken over by the Ottomans, and turned into a museum during the modernization period. Luckily, the giant chandelier in the middle is down for repair, so there’s a straight view when you look up. There are mosaics that have been uncovered of Christian symbols. It’s a really great start to my trip, that’s for sure.



Sultan Ahmed Mosque

I’m writing to you from the Blue Mosque of Istanbul. It was built by Sultan Ahmen I, and the actual name is, well, Sultan Ahmed mosque. The mosque is aptly named, as there are blue tiles adorning the sides. While we were prepared with headscarves and long skirts, once we were inside no one seemed to keep up the appearance. It was built by the Sultan in sort of a competition to the Ayasofia, the Byzantine mosque across the way. The gardens of the Blue Mosque are some of the greenest, luscious areas I’ve seen. It was an amazing jump start to my travels!

Eyup Mosque

As I’m writing to you, we’re waiting for the ferry to cross the Bosphorus on it to return to the hotel. We spent the afternoon at the Eyup mosque—well, 20 minutes there, much more time spent traveling on the ferry than over there. The Eyup mosque is considered to be the 4th holiest location in Islam. Eyup was Mohammad’s advisor, and he led two attacks on Constantinople, or Istanbul, as it is called now. When he died, they made him a tomb is at the Eyup mosque, which is why the mosque was constructed in that location. The way that people were reverent inside of the tomb room reminded me of the visits to Rachel’s tomb in Hebron.

Byzantine Cistern

I’m writing to you from the caverns of the Byzantine cisterns. It was constructed by a Byzantine emperor (Justinius), and considering it held all of the water for what was then Constantinople, it’s pretty big. I don’t know if either of you are James Bond fans, but a part of “From Russia with Love” was filmed here. It’s no longer a cistern; the water was drained, walkways built, lights put into accented positions, and Sams’ snapping pictures of everything. I am quite excited for the rest of the trip!


Dolmabahce Palace/Topkepe Palace

I’m writing to you not from the Aya Sofia, featured on the other side, but from the Topkepe Palace, located in the center of Istanbul. 17th century sultans were kind of awesome. They got to chill out on sofas all day long while their viziers ran the empire. Only flip side to it was that the sultan couldn’t leave the castle/PALACE. Compared to the Dolmabahce palace of this morning, it is more much breathable and airy. The Topkepe also represents the power of the sultan; there are layers of courtyards, and the closer to the center you travel, the closer to the center of power you get to. Visually, you can see telling Islamic influence, and it is covered with gorgeous tiles of various patterns inlaid on the inside. The way of keeping the sultan separate is taken from the Byzantine empire-style. I’m kind of fascinated by today’s travels!