Istanbul

Istanbul an absolute Turkish Delight. The addition of Istanbul to our itinerary was last minute, but the trip turned out to be a highlight of this most remarkable journey we are on. This ancient city situated right on the continent divide between Asia and Europe is definitely a mix of both continents. With large symmetrical mosques on every vista and random cobblestone streets overcrowded with shopkeepers and customers, this place draws you in.

Maphew checking out the Mosque

I have visited many outdoor markets in the world but nothing is like the enormous scale of the Grand Bazaar and the enticing odours of the Spice Bazaar. The grand bazaar is a labyrinth of booths covered by painted vaulted ceilings with goods for sale from diamonds to leather to knock off designer goods. The all male shop keepers are relentless on their quest for a sale and they use the most unique lines to draw you into their shops, like “How can I help you spend your money”. And if you do make a purchase you are treated with apple tea and a Turkish delight on the house. And the Spice Bazaar with its booths full of spices and food from the region draw you into the fabulous Turkish cuisine. And the food here is incredible with its curries, lambs and kebabs and again we ate far too much.

Inside the Spice Bazaar

Carpets at the Grand Bazaar

One of the most interesting sites we visited was the magnificent Basilica Cistern. This enormous underground cistern was built in 550 AD to supply water to the city of Constantinople and the Palace area. This cavernous space is held up by 326 marble columns with a 9 metre vaulted ceiling, and about 3 feet of water at the base. The columns were castaways and columns from older temples that were used to create this engineering feat. They have now built a walkway through the large space and have it lit up with mood lights and play classical music in the background to add to the sound of dripping water. This all makes for a most unusual tourist site.

The magnificent Basilica Cistern

Amazing columns from different sites

Medusa Heads

We also spend a day at the Topkapi Palace touring the ancient palace and viewing the treasures of the Sultan. This Palace was built in the 1400s and was the principle residence of the Sultans for hundreds of years. We toured through all the buildings and the government houses as well as most impressive Harem, which in its height had over 1000 concubines living here. This truly is right out of a novel.

Inside Harem quarters

The most amazing site in Istanbul is without a doubt the amazing structure called Haghia Sophia. This church/mosque is over 1400 years old and is the greatest achievement of the 6th century Byzantine civilization. The structure was originally built in 520 AD as a Christian church with a vast dome ceiling and intricate gold mosaics of the life of Christ. Then it was turned into a Mosque in about 1000 AD and was modified and the mosaics covered in accordance with Muslin Law. Only in the last 25 years has the original art work been uncovered and now on display for all to see. The building is mammoth in size and scale and the combining of the Christian and Muslin faith in one structure makes a real statement of peace. Truly one of those places you visit that take your breath away and you need to just take it all in.

Haghia Sophia

Front of Haghia Sophia

Domes of Haghia Sophia

We also toured several other large mosques in Istanbul including the new Mosque and of course the world famous Blue Mosque. Clean lines, symmetry and attention to detail are evident in these serene structures. A real sense of peace and tranquilly are within their walls.

Blue Mosque

Inside the Blue Mosque

So while in Turkey we also had to take a traditional Turkish Bath. We went to a three hundred old Turkish Bath (Haman) and stepped back in time to an age old tradition. So we sweated out in the very hot marble steam room and then we subjected ourselves to the full treatment of the bath Turkish style. After a vigorous scrubbing and a strong massage on a marble slab you definitely feel revived, and ready to take on the streets of Istanbul again.

Istanbul was a joy to discover, the streets, the shops, the food and we even did a boat trip up the Bosphorus, it never ceased to amaze me. I would come back here in a second to finish this journey of exploration.