We started out going to the Blue Mosque, or Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It is often referred to as the Blue Mosque because of the beautiful blue tiles that cover the inside. We learned from our tour guide that tulips, carnations, and roses are prevalent flowers in Turkey. Tulips are thought to have originated in Turkey, and appear to be reaching towards Allah. Roses are the flower of Muhammad, while carnations are the flowers of paradise. The Blue Mosque was built in the 15th Century in order to rival the grand design of Hagia Sophia. The colors were so vibrant, and the interior was so huge and elaborate, I would have liked to have stayed there a lot longer. But alas, we had much more to see that day, and had no time to dawdle.
From the Blue mosque we went to Topkapi Palace. It used to be the residence of the Ottoman Sultans for much of Ottoman rule. It was fun trying to imagine how it would have looked back then, and how it would have been to live there. I especially liked the huge kitchen, and getting to look around at all of the artifacts and relics. We got to see the alleged arm of John the Baptist as well as Muhammad’s footprints. There was also a cute little gift shop there, and I got a pretty red, blue and gold tea cup. I really like the little vase-like shaped tea cups in Istanbul. Especially when they have apple tea in them!
After we finished at Topkapi Palace, we had some free time for lunch. Katie, Mauna, Roman, Emilio, Shurui, Erik and I went to this nice little place close to the Palace. We got to go all the way up to the roof of the restaurant, and the view was amazing! And the food, as it has been this whole trip, was delicious as well. It was just hard to believe we were sitting there, in Istanbul, admiring such a beautiful landscape.
After our leisurely lunch, we headed to Hagia Sophia—one of the sites I have been looking forward to seeing the most. It was incredible. I can’t believe the old mosaics are still as clear as they are. We learned that Hagia Sophia was originally a church, but was turned into a mosque with the expansion of the Ottoman Empire in the 15th Century. It is such an interesting contrast to see the remnants of the old basilica as well as the Islamic additions. It is such a fascinating, historical example of both of these religious artistic styles. I would love to go back someday, and spend more time there.
When we finished exploring Hagia Sophia, we headed to the underground Basilica Cistern. I had actually never heard of this before, so this part of the day was a pleasant surprise. The Cistern was very eerie, but in a fun way. Having a huge art exhibit there would be incredible. The Medusa heads were especially interesting. They were so huge, and so randomly placed.
We then had some free time to look around the Pera district before dinner. I just went to a couple of nearby shops to pick up a shirt and shorts, as my luggage had still not arrived yet at that point. We reconvened for dinner, and once again had a huge, unbelievably delicious meal. I am going to miss the food here so much. I don’t think there has been anything here I haven’t liked.
That night we arrived back at our dorms happy and very, very full. Altogether, another fantastic day in Istanbul. If only we had more time here!
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