Istanbul 1

This is the entrance to the Istanbul Metropolitan City Hall. Despite housing some remarkable antiquities, we did not go in there. We had to save something for our return trip.

This picture was taken in the Basilica Cistern, which was built 1500 years ago to store water for them thirsty Byzantines. The cistern covers the area of three football fields. The water came from the Belgrade Woods via a 12-mile aqueduct. Over 330 columns support the roof. The Basilica Cistern is located near Hagia Sophia. For hundreds of years, private residents stood on top of the cistern. Today, there is a park. Because of their variety of design, it is believed that the columns were recycled from buildings that had fallen into ruin or were destroyed in earthquakes. Pat is pictured standing behind one of two columns that have a Medusa's head carved on the base. No one knows why this one is upside down. The other is sideways, and probably turned that way to provide the right base heighth.

Ooooooh. The dark, mysterious and eerie cistern. Literally and figuratively, it is cool down there.



Hagia Sophia. One of the greatest buildings ever built anywhere. First a church, then a mosque and now a museum. It was the largest cathedral on Earth for over a thousand years. Taking pictures was not allowed inside the building. Hit the link and read about this building. The history is absolutely amazing, and it is absolutely amazing that this huge building was built 1500 years ago.

Fancy pastries at one of the many pastry shops on Istiklal Avenue. We cannot go anywhere without taking a picture of pastries for our pastry chef daughter. It's a rule. There you go, Claire.

I never did find out what the story is behind lady bug pastries, but they were as common as the bugs, themselves.

Istiklal Avenue connects Taksim Square with Galata Tower in the New City. For Istanbul, it is a rather wide road. A tram runs up and down its center. When walking down the street, watch your back. Also called Independence Avenue, the street houses many upscale shops, as well as many embassies. This building is an outstanding example of art nouveau architecture.

We were in Istanbul during Ramadan. As dusk came, tens of thousands of people poured into Istiklal Avenue.

This is the Ataturk Statue, commemorating Turkey's independence from the Ottomans.

Pigeons playing with Pat at Taksim Square.