The Blue Mosque, TopKapi, the Grand Bazar and other wonders...
Istanbul would be worth a visit just for the Hagia Sofia Museum but the city has much more to offer. Across the square the Blue Mosque keeps Hagia Sofia in good company. The design of the Sultan Ahmed Mosque is the culmination of two centuries of both Ottoman mosque and Byzantine church development. It incorporates some Byzantine elements of Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture. It has 6 minarets along with 8 domes and 1 main one. Majesty and splendour.
As we moved to TopKapi we were surrounded by a different crowed. Many Turks were there to admire the palace and pay their respect to all the holy relics. Beautiful garden, interesting architecture, precious jewellery... The opulence of past time was still in the air.
Istanbul is far from being a museum town, yes of course it has splendid buildings but what defines it best are its people, its liveliness and trade. Being at the border of two continents it has always been a place where goods where exchanges, bought, sold... The tradition never died, the Grand Bazar is still a colourful and animated market.
Yes I know... Another market, sounds like I have an obsession with them. Unfortunately on Sundays the Grand Bazar is closed... Despite this trading never stops! We ventured down the narrow street where another kind of market was taking place, something for the locals cloth, housekeeping products,shoes all sorts really. Fortunately for us an extension of the Grand Bazar just by the Bosphore was open and we could wonder around the little shops selling spices, lamps and other local goods. Arts and crafts are very developed in the region and we were particularly taken by the and decorated ceramic dishes. Colourful refined and yet authentic each of them is more than a simple souvenir its a little art piece on its own.
Istanbul is far from being a museum town, yes of course it has splendid buildings but what defines it best are its people, its liveliness and trade. Being at the border of two continents it has always been a place where goods where exchanges, bought, sold... The tradition never died, the Grand Bazar is still a colourful and animated market.
Yes I know... Another market, sounds like I have an obsession with them. Unfortunately on Sundays the Grand Bazar is closed... Despite this trading never stops! We ventured down the narrow street where another kind of market was taking place, something for the locals cloth, housekeeping products,shoes all sorts really. Fortunately for us an extension of the Grand Bazar just by the Bosphore was open and we could wonder around the little shops selling spices, lamps and other local goods. Arts and crafts are very developed in the region and we were particularly taken by the and decorated ceramic dishes. Colourful refined and yet authentic each of them is more than a simple souvenir its a little art piece on its own.
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