Istanbul
The landmarks
Wherever you are in the Old City there is usually a mosque perched dramatically on the skyline. And quite a few of them are visually stunning on the outside. The Blue Mosque is the most famous, for its six minarets and grand central dome that dominates Istanbul’s skyline. It gains its name from the blue Iznik tiles.
However, the Hagia Sophia mosque, close by, takes the accolades. It was originally built as a cathedral, later being a mosque, then a museum, and most recently in 2020 again reconsecrated as a mosque. In this sense it is rich in Byzantine and Ottoman history which shows at every turn through the building. As with any mosque the central hall is a working mosque and out of bounds.
The Hagia Sophia is on a grand scale with the ability to walk around above the main hall and absorb what once defined it as a museum. What distinguishes this temple is richly decorated interior with Byzantine mosaics of Christianity and key figures from its past.
Including the Topkapi palace and Baslica Cistern you have the UNESCO World Heritage site. The disappointment with Topkapi palace is how it is lumped with a harem and a museum. All worthy visits on their but there is no choice but to visit all three together.
The Basilica Cistern, an ancient underground water reservoir from the Byzantine era, is essentially one hall with 336 columns, that is, like the Hagia Sophia, architecturally an achievement of its age, but the Cistern is essentially one columned hall. The lighting emphasises its wonder but is a little under-developed. The one unusual feature is an upside down Medusa’s head holding up a column.
Nearby is the grand bazaar – remarkable in how, from 15th century, it is one of the world’s oldest and largest covered markets, comprising of 61 ’streets’ (as opposed to halls), Whilst it is a joy to saunter through be prepared for over priced goods and overbearing sellers. It’s history as a hub for final global trade through the ages is long gone and is now complex of independent shops.
The spice (Egyptian) bazaar was even more of a tourist trap. The displays are works of art and the tea that we bought undoubtedly will be enjoyed on the evenings. Built in the 17th Century it is an L Shaped collection of 85 independent shops. Also with a history as an international trading centre, specially from Eqypt.
Read on for part one of the Istanbul City break on the Old City.
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