Istanbul and exotic mystery…
When I stepped off of the ship in Istanbul I felt like I was in one of those “On the Road” movies starring Bob Hope and Bing Crosby. Everywhere I looked I saw or smelled something so exotic and foreign to me I was simply mesmerized. Located in both Europe and Asia, Istanbul is a city of contrast, blending not only East and West, but also antiquity and the contemporary. One of our main attractions was the Byzantine Hagia Sophia, Church of Divine Wisdom. Built from 532 to 537 AD by the Emperor Justinian, it was to be the new Cathedral of Constantinople. It was the greatest Christian cathedral of the Middle Ages, and is regarded as one of the greatest and most beautiful buildings in the world. The mosaics inside were glorious. Mary, Jesus, and Joseph are beautifully illuminated by gold tiles, still full of color and life. Neither the pictures in the guidebooks nor the pictures we took were able to do it justice. Directly across from the Hagia Sophia is the Blue Mosque. Constructed from 1609 to 1616 by Sultan Ahmet I to compete with Hagia Sophia, it derives its name from the blue on the Iznik tiles inside. Once again, no picture is able to do it justice. The fabulous patterns and colors adorning the interior of the mosque are stunning. The light shining in seems to be from another world. The prayers of the faithful echo from the walls, it was an experience none of us will ever forget. Across from the Blue Mosque is the Grand Bazaar, built by Mehmet the Conqueror (1451). This covered maze of some 4,000 shops sells everything from inexpensive souvenirs to spices and priceless treasures. The smells, the wares, the variety of clothing worn by the customers, inside the bazaar I experienced a culture so foreign, so rich, it was exhilarating. The Topkapi Palace was yet another major site we were able to tour during our day and a half in Instanbul. Used as the administrative center of the Ottoman Empire from 1465 to 1853, it is currently a museum for the Imperial Era, and is one of the best tourist experiences in Istanbul. Not only does Topkapi Palace have many fantastic examples of Ottoman architecture, the museum houses a large collection of porcelain, robes, weapons, armors, shields, murals, treasure and jewelry. And there are multitudes of incredible Iznik tiles adorning the palace. My biggest thrill was the Imperial Treasury — four rooms Þlled with unbelievable treasures, the most unbelievable being the Spoonmaker’s Diamond weighing in at an astonishing 86 carats. My friend Jeanie and I stood in front of it so long the guards became suspicious and made us move along. There are relics of the Prophet Mohammed inside the palace, and those rooms are packed. Dining in Istanbul is outstanding. You choose from traditional dishes and seafood served from street carts, Þsh markets, or in charming restaurants. Turkey introduced coffee to Europe. Go ahead, have a cup of this mystic elixir. Two members of my group attended a belly dance/dining experience in Istanbul that was reportedly spell- binding. The dancing ability of the women was astonishing to my friends. Istanbul is a wonderful window into ancient times, a fabulous destination where you are guaranteed to lose yourself in culture and history. Don’t miss out on any opportunity to experience Istanbul for yourself.
07 December 2009
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Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is situated just north of Haghia Sophia. This imperial palace was once considered to be the hub of Ottoman power for nearly three centuries. It is undoubtedly a rival to Granada’s Alhambra due to fabulous setting and luxurious decorations.
If you want to fully explore and enjoy this palace, you will need at least half day. However, if you are short of time but don’t want to miss the important elements of this palace, then do visit Imperial Treasury, the Harem and the views of the palace from the innermost courtyard as well as from the fourth courtyard.
The main entry to this palace is through the tastefully decorated Imperial Gate, built in 1478 by the Sultan Fatih. While walking through this gate, you are lead into the first of the four courts that seem to be more private as you move further into the building. The First Court was not considered to be a part of the Topkapi Palace as it was public. Known by the name of Court of the Janissaries, this court served as dormitories and a hospital for the guards of the palace.
On the left side is the Hagia Eirene Church (The church of the Holy Peace) commonly known as the Haghia Irene church that was made by Justinian and considered to be Haghia Sophia’s contemporary. This happens to be the only pre-Ottoman-conquest church in Istanbul that was not converted into a mosque. Presently, the church remains closed for almost all the time. However, it serves as a venue for a concert during the International Istanbul Music Festival.
The wonderful Archaeological Museum is also situated within the First Court. However, the Disenyesque Gate is the proper entrance for the palace. The ticket counter is located just on the right side besides the Executioner’s Fountain. During the earlier times, the truncated columns of the fountain displayed heads of the victims of the Executioner.
As you reach the Second Court, you will be welcomed by rose bushes and sprawling gardens where the divans of the imperial council were held. In fact, the whole business of the empire was carried out in the huge Second Court. This place was jostling with activity and was full of petitioners waiting for their turn in the earlier times. And now, it has people standing in queues waiting to step inside to discover the beauty of this semi-public place. Harem comprises of exotic tiled chambers which you can reach not before waiting for at least half an hour accompanied by an official guide. You can buy the entry tickets from the window besides the Harem entrance.
Just near the ticket counter at the Harem entrance, you will be greeted by the former State Treasury which now serves as a place for exhibiting arms and armour. You will come across huge kitchens just across the gardens that served nearly 5,000 residents of the palace. These kitchens now have a wide collection of Chinese and Japanese glassware, silverware and ceramics imported through Central Asia. Among the collection is the Chinese celadon that was very dear to the sultans because it changed its color as soon as it was mixed with poison.
Next destination is the Third Court that was the private place of Sultan. Towards the right is the Hall of the Campaign Pages or Seferli Kogusu. The hall was meant to preserve the royal wardrobe and it did so perfectly. As you move next door, you come across the Imperial Treasury where you will be amazed by the glittering yet useless collection of items like Topkapi Dagger, a set of diamond-plated chain mail or even three emeralds in eyeball size.
Finally, as you enter the sublime Fourth Court, you are greeted by a beautiful garden with terraces that lead you down towards the Seraglio Point. You will be smitten by the views over the Bosphorus equally as by the cool sea breeze on a hot summer day. The last building built within the palace is the Mecidiye Pavilion that serves as a café and a restaurant.