So, I just got back from Istanbul a few days ago. I know!! As surprising as that may sound to you, it's probably more surprising to me! The trip materialized shortly before the holidays. We had planned to visit K&H in Latvia in late spring until something came up that necessitated changing our plans. When we suggested we'd just come earlier, during winter, the response was 'Nooo! It's cold, it's dark! Let's meet for a week somewhere warmer." Several destinations were mentioned as possibilities, but when Istanbul came up, I was all over it!! I had decided that my personal theme for 2015 would be "Seize the year" ~ what better way than to welcome it in a totally new culture?
As we flew in over the city, I couldn't help but notice the mosque-dotted neighborhoods, so different from anyplace I'd visited. We timed our arrival to meet the kids (aka Mr&Ms.Ferretting Out the Fun) at the Istanbul airport and were whisked together to our charming little boutique hotel in the Sultanahmet section of the city, literally steps from most of the well-known historical attractions. How's this for a room?
My giddy self, reflected in a mirrored TV wall, shortly after dropping my suitcase
Truly, during every minute of the trip, I could hardly believe I was there. And as I look through my 500+ photos, my strongest impulse is to book another flight and return. Today. I absolutely loved Istanbul!
The Blue Mosque, right in *our neighborhood*
We checked in around 6:00pm and headed right out to find something to eat and then walk around the area to get our bearings as we sketched out our week's plans. I can't tell you how breathtaking it was to turn a corner and come upon the Blue Mosque, illuminated like this.
Hagia Sofia
And to turn around on the same spot to see the Hagia Sofia. Enchanting doesn't start to describe it.
The week didn't exactly unfold as we had planned. It was pretty brisk our first few days there and by mid-week, the Middle East was in the throes of an unusually harsh cold front/storm. For three days, the temperature never got above the mid-20s ~ just about where it was in Ohio and Riga that week! So much for warmer climes. We were undaunted. Each day after a hearty, delicious breakfast at the hotel, we headed out for 12 hours or more. First stop, the Hagia Sofia.
We spent the better part of 2 hours touring the interior of this gorgeous building. Built in 435 as an Eastern Orthodox church, it was converted to a mosque in 1453 and secularized as a museum in 1935. The scale is hard to capture in photos. Many areas are currently being restored.
After the initial awe over its massive dimensions, I found the smaller details so captivating.
Mosaics that literally shimmered. Familiar with some of these from art history classes, I was quite surprised at the size of the actual mosaic pieces ~ about 1/4" square!! Stunning.
Up under the arches, you can see remnants of mosaic patterning. Areas where it had disintegrated had at some point been painted in the same designs. Pattern heaven!! I found myself trying to imagine how beautiful this place must have been in its time.
As we left, I found this most touching ~ the stone entryway, worn down in at least a 3" dip from centuries of visitors.
When we finally tore ourselves away, we headed across the street to grab some lunch at a restaurant that advertised good views. Next stop, right across the street ~ the Basilica Cistern.
As we were waiting in a short line, I paused for a moment to get a shot of this charming Ottoman style structure, a tourist police station, that was right across the street. Its color, the peeling paint, the Turkish flag flying...it's not a great shot, but now it is one of my most memorable. About 50 hours later, a Russian woman in a niqab walked up to the kiosk and after being refused entry, activated a suicide bomb, killing herself and a policeman. Initially, it was a shock to hear, but not so surprising. Within 24 hours, the Paris attack would take over the news. What a world.
The Basilica Cistern is actually one of a number of water retention structures that were built beneath the city in the 6th century to provide water filtration for the Great Palace of Constantinople. Walkways have been built between some columns so visitors can tour the massive subterranean structure. Impressive, but a little creepy. Let's brighten this post up a bit!!
How about some Turkish delight? Yum...
Too many varieties of baklava to count ~ or eat!!
Iznik tiles? Overload at the Topkapi Palace and the Sultan's Harem...but that deserves a post of its own.
As do the bazaars ~ rugs, textiles, lanterns, spices...
Visual overload.
Not to mention the random city scenes and the warm, friendly people we met.
Lots more to share.
***Not sure why the spacing is so wacky if you're reading this on Bloglovin'.
I have wanted to visit Hagia Sophia since I studied Art History in college. I am so jealous right now!
Posted by: Carole | January 15, 2015 at 01:57 PM
wow, amazing trip - so happy for you. hope you brought home some great textiles and one of those pendant lights.
Posted by: Tonya Ricucci | January 15, 2015 at 03:58 PM
Looks like a great trip! Can't wait to see more photos.
Posted by: molly | January 15, 2015 at 04:12 PM
It looks amazing!
Posted by: Kathy | January 15, 2015 at 06:12 PM
Visual overload indeed! What a fabulous adventure!
Posted by: audrey | January 15, 2015 at 08:41 PM
I'm dangerously close to visual overload just from your post! What an exciting destination! I'm looking forward to some more show and tell.
Posted by: Linda in NC | January 15, 2015 at 08:49 PM
Wonderful photos. My husband & daughter went there as part of a Turkey & Greece holiday in 2011. (I went to the USA on a quilting trip) They loved Turkey, and when they returned home, my husband kept telling me I would have loved the bazaars and how stunning the Blue Mosque is.
Posted by: Jenny M | January 15, 2015 at 11:14 PM
Wow! amazing trip. Love that selfie. beautiful Ikat spread.
Incredible artwork there. We went to Ephesus a few years ago - amazing!b
Posted by: barbara vedder | January 16, 2015 at 07:58 AM
Oh. My. Gosh. You've singlehandedly changed my mind. WOW. What beautiful photos. And what a trip! I can't wait to hear more. And did you stop anywhere else on the way over/back? It seems like such a quick trip! Beautiful!!!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 16, 2015 at 11:34 AM
What an amazing trip! So glad you were not delayed by 50 hours! Those piles of textiles sure look interesting :0) I enjoyed seeing your trip through your pictures - thanks!
Posted by: Janet | January 16, 2015 at 04:55 PM
Jan, it looks completely amazing.
Posted by: Mariko | January 16, 2015 at 06:39 PM
Fabulous!!
Posted by: Meredithe | January 17, 2015 at 12:12 AM
WOW. I can only say, like others, great photos! Thanks for sharing them.
Posted by: Roxanne | January 17, 2015 at 09:56 AM
What a glorious trip, Jan! Thanks for sharing these photos full of color and texture.
Posted by: Ann | January 17, 2015 at 12:22 PM
Such beautiful photos! And it sounds like a wonderful trip. I visited Turkey ten years ago and would love to go back.
Posted by: suzy | January 17, 2015 at 11:42 PM
What's the name of that hotel? I want to go there!
Posted by: Fran | January 19, 2015 at 09:17 AM
i lived in Istanbul as a child and your photos took me right back.
Posted by: Samantha | January 19, 2015 at 11:55 AM