Previously on Traveling Istanbul Part 1 of 2, I visited the outer city of Istanbul:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/06/traveling-istanbul-part-1-of-2.html
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Breakfast at the rooftop was magical. It was special catching sunrise on the Bosphorous, glancing at continental Asia to the east.
After a 3-minute walk from the hostel, I reached the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque). It was free to visit.
As I left the Blue Mosque and wore my shoes, my feet (and socks) were soaking wet and cold. It came to a point where I decided to head back to the hostel to change a pair of socks.
Directly opposite the Blue Mosque, stands Hagia Sofia. I bought the Combo Ticket (Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and Archaeology Museum) for Tr. 162 (SGD 40).
No trip to Istanbul is complete without visiting this spectacular complex. It was the center of Eastern Rome (Constantinople), and was the worlds biggest church.
As photography is not allowed, I could only recount what I saw inside this building: Keys to the Kaba (in Mecca), the Kaba blackstone's cover, Prophet Muhammad's beard, cup, sword and other belongings, Mosses' walking stick, Medina's clay/sand and etc.
A sarcophagus is a stone coffin of Egypt, Rome and Greece.
Other artifacts on display was Babylonian, Persian, Greek, and lots of porcelain wear. These treasures congregated in Istanbul, due to the long history of this city - Thanks to the prowess of Constantinople (Eastern Rome) and 600 years of Ottoman empire.
I joined a fellow traveler from the hostel - Matthias, a German PhD student from Cologne University for dinner. He was doing research on the Soviet Union's science program.
We had quite some interesting discussions and exchanges of ideas. Matthias is a scholar who had an intellectual way in articulating his ideas. He is always very calm and studious.
~~~
Though it was a rather short getaway, it was an eye-opener.
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/06/traveling-istanbul-part-1-of-2.html
~~~
Breakfast at the rooftop was magical. It was special catching sunrise on the Bosphorous, glancing at continental Asia to the east.
It snowed last night
After a 3-minute walk from the hostel, I reached the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque). It was free to visit.
Minimal crowd, early morning
Still, there were visitors, and we took off our shoes before entering the mosque
Splendid artwork inside the mosque
There were explanations and guides at every corner - To share, educate and provide understanding
Prayer area was cordoned
As I left the Blue Mosque and wore my shoes, my feet (and socks) were soaking wet and cold. It came to a point where I decided to head back to the hostel to change a pair of socks.
Directly opposite the Blue Mosque, stands Hagia Sofia. I bought the Combo Ticket (Hagia Sofia, Topkapi Palace and Archaeology Museum) for Tr. 162 (SGD 40).
An exciting day ahead
No trip to Istanbul is complete without visiting this spectacular complex. It was the center of Eastern Rome (Constantinople), and was the worlds biggest church.
Hagia Sophia - Constantinople's Landmark for 1500 years
The fact that Ataturk converted it into a museum shows magnanimity and sensitivity
When the Ottomans took over Constantinople, Hagia Sophia was the most important church outside Rome
They converted it into a mosque, made modifications and repainted the motifs
But kept some 'common' features, such as Mary and baby Jesus on the main altar
The main alter was also slightly shifted to face Mecca
The Coronation Spot - Where the emperor was crowned
On one the famous 'relics' in the museum is a 13th century mosaic
The original artwork
The characters
Hagia Sophia is a huge complex. I spent 2 hours inside, and it was not enough.
Practically every corner has a story.
All smiles after visiting such a timeless attraction
The second stop was Topkapi Palace. At the entrance, I met a solo-traveler from Pakistan - Nawas, who was working in Saudi Arabia as a Finance Head. He was in town for the weekend, and winter getaway (from Saudi's heat wave). Nawas was quite a knowledgeable person, and we shared experience and had quite a pleasant time.
Update: As per August 2020, Hagia Sophia is being converted into a mosque.
Fountain of Ahmed III
To be honest, I only came because it was part of the combo-ticket
But this place (the where the Sultans stayed) exceeded my expectations
Main entrance
Ceremonial golden throne (18th century)
Sultan reading the Quran
This look like any ordinary building, but the treasures inside was quite spectacular
As photography is not allowed, I could only recount what I saw inside this building: Keys to the Kaba (in Mecca), the Kaba blackstone's cover, Prophet Muhammad's beard, cup, sword and other belongings, Mosses' walking stick, Medina's clay/sand and etc.
Before I got too excited, Nawas told me to take those tales and legends with a pinch of salt
A dog tailed me out the palace (left); Nawas (right)
The third destination of the day was Istanbul Archaeology Museum.
It had an impressive collection
Alexander Sarcophagus
Unknown Sarcophagus
Other artifacts on display was Babylonian, Persian, Greek, and lots of porcelain wear. These treasures congregated in Istanbul, due to the long history of this city - Thanks to the prowess of Constantinople (Eastern Rome) and 600 years of Ottoman empire.
As a finale, I took an evening stroll along the Bosphorous straits.
They do drink lots of tea
I joined a fellow traveler from the hostel - Matthias, a German PhD student from Cologne University for dinner. He was doing research on the Soviet Union's science program.
Grilled Sea Bream
While Matthias is a vegetarian
We had quite some interesting discussions and exchanges of ideas. Matthias is a scholar who had an intellectual way in articulating his ideas. He is always very calm and studious.
~~~
Though it was a rather short getaway, it was an eye-opener.
Istanbul has squeezed into my top 3 all time favourite city
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