Istanbul

Istanbul

Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is 448 nautical miles from Rhodes. We took the entire day sailing towards Istanbul and at 5:00 PM we entered the Dardanelles, a narrow strait in northwestern Turkey. The strait is 61 kilometers long and 1.2 to .6 kilometers wide. It separates Europe from Asia. Once we got close to Istanbul the name changed to the Bosphorus. Many folks take water taxies across B., others take a long bridge. Traffic is a killer. It is bumper to bumper and the drivers are crazy! No wonder they dominate cabs in Chicago and NYC.

We visited the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, St. Sophia and the Grand Bazaar.

Entering the Dardanelles

Early lookout to protect Constantinople (Istanbul).

St. Sophia

The following was written by my very close friend and Geek --whoops I meant Greek Dr. Chuck Bassos

Hope you understand that all the ruins in Kusadasi were Greek, not Turkish though they are in what is now Turkey.

Also, did you know that prior to 1054, St. Sophia's was to Christianity what the Vatican now is for Roman Catholics. It is where the "first among equals" bishop of the Christian church resided. When the Ottoman empire started to conquer the Eastern part of the world, the Roman Bishop, seeing his opportunity, excommunicated the Bishop in Constantinople and the guy in Constantinople then excommunicated the Bishop in Rome. Until then, there was ONE Christian Church. After that, there was the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox church and the Roman Bishop (Latin word "Pope"=father) declared himself infallible in matters of faith. That's where our two churches split. For other than these political reasons and one doctrinal issue made after the "Great Schism" in 1054 by the RC Church, the two churches are exactly the same. But the power of the RC church grew, unaffected by the Ottomans while the Eastern Orthodox Church was pummeled into the ground by the Turks and the Ottoman Empire. Witness the state of St. Sophia's which was completely destroyed by the Turks who built the Blue Mosque next door to demonstrate their dominance.

Bet no one told you that while you were in Turkey. By the way, as the song says, Istanbul was Constantinople. Istanbul is from a Greek phrase. When people in the area were headed to Constantinople and were asked where they were going, they would respond "Is tin poli" which means "to the city". The Turks renamed it because the word Constantinople had become equated with Christianity.

St. Sophia -- They do like their domes & towers.

St. Sophia entrance

Major renovation is under way.

Altar ---- Side wall

Ceiling is being restored

More scaffolds than lights made taking photos difficult.

Original beam had 12 sheep, 1 for each disciple.

How about a red Turkish hat.

Topkapi Palace

Ceiling in the bakery

We felt right at home although the place is a bit larger than our abode.

So did Jane and Will

Standing in Asia looking over the Bosphorus and Europe side of Istanbul

We had great weather!

Looking toward Istanbul, Europe

Guards were not often noticeable.

One of many shops along the way.

Neat tree!

Want a flying carpet?

Isn't this a wonderful photo?

3,500 yr old Obelisk on the right

They like their spires!

Crypt

Turkey flag

Will is excited to enter the Blue Mosque!

So is Di!

Blue Mosque gets it name from the obvious blue inside and out.

No shoes permitted inside the mosque.

Ceiling

Above the altar

Beautiful interior.

Hold still!

No socks yuk! Time to wipe your feet clean!

Muslim always pray facing east.

Carpet salesmen literally chase you. "Make my day, come on in!" "You could be my first customer of the day!" " You could be my dream customer!" "Want to buy a carpet?" are just a few lines they tried.

The gals spent many hours in the Bazaar

Outside merchants

Inside merchants too. Di found a purse she liked and couldn't find the store an hour later. The place is a catacomb with alleys and stores no wider than 20 feet. They have over 2,000 stores.

Next Stop ---> Paris France