Turkey
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On the Other Side of the Golden Horn
More Details: On the Other Side of the Golden HornA visit to Istanbul is not complete without crossing the Golden Horn to the other side of European Istanbul. And it cannot be any easier. A short walk from the Grand Bazaar you can cross the Golden Horn (which back in the day was closed with a long chain to prevent ships from coming in)…
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Going Under in Istanbul
More Details: Going Under in IstanbulI have shared in other posts about the incredible Hagia Sophia, Topkapı Palace, and the beautiful mosques of Istanbul – definite must-sees in that great city. But be aware, right under your feet could be some of the remnants of good ole Roman engineering: the cisterns of Istanbul. Old cities tend to have lots of…
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The Ottoman Ruler’s Residence: Topkapı Palace
More Details: The Ottoman Ruler’s Residence: Topkapı PalaceTopkapı Palace sits at the entrance to the Golden Horn, an inlet of water that splits the European side of Istanbul. It is located quite close to the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It was the Ottoman ruler’s humble abode for part of the time they ruled the empire (the rulers eventually moved to…
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Jewels of Istanbul: Its Mosques
More Details: Jewels of Istanbul: Its MosquesDuring my 5-day visit to Istanbul, I had ample time to walk around, often aimlessly, to get to know the city. While some sights were on the must-see list (like the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace), I also “discovered” places not on my list. I quickly developed an interest in entering the many mosques…
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History via One Monumental Building: Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia
More Details: History via One Monumental Building: Istanbul’s Hagia SophiaThe highlight of my visit to the great former Byzantium, former Constantinople, or current Istanbul is Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia. Getting there is always step one After having had some challenges getting out of Egypt, my arrival in Istanbul continued to offer “experiences” as there was an unexpected change of plans that I shared in my…
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Picture of the Week – Hagia Sophia, Istanbul
More Details: Picture of the Week – Hagia Sophia, IstanbulMany moons ago I finally got to see Constantinople, er Byzantium, er Istanbul. After so many years hearing about this place and its history, I finally was going to see face-to-face some of the places I had studied or heard about. At the top of my list: the Hagia Sophia. A monument of Christianity that transcended…