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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