Attractions of Istanbul

Turkey, 4-11 April 2001

Hippodrome - Blue Mosque - Aya Sofia - Topkapi Palace - Grand Bazaar

IN April 2002, my husband & I joined a tour that whizzed us through the western half of Turkey in 8 days. It was probably the most exhausting vacation we have ever taken! We thought it was a joke when our tour guide one day announced that wake-up call was going to be at 4:30am, breakfast at 5:30 am and everyone in the bus by 6:30 am. But thankfully, most days, we were allowed to sleep in till 6:30am! ... (more)

Dubai Airport
On route to Turkey from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, our plane stopped in...

Gate 19, Dubai Airport
If you look carefully among the palm trees, youll find your gate number.

Egyptian Obelisk at Hippodrome
The hieroglyphs were inscribed 3500 years ago and are still amazingly...

2 (Or More) Heads are Better Than 1
These marble stone carvings of heads act as a base that supports the Egyptian...

Stoned Heads
Detail of the Obelisk base

The Blue Mosque
Also known as Sultanahmet Camii, it was built by Sultan Ahmet, (hence...

Tops of the Blue Mosque
The colour blue does not denote the external colour of the mosque but...

Door way To Blue Mosque

Domes Galore at Blue Mosque
Domes and minarets as seen from the central open areas inside the mosque.

Brace Youselves!
These domes inside the Blue Mosque are reinforced with metal bracing...

Symmetry
Symmetry in Islamic architecture is an important feature, as seen here in the...

Splash of Colour in Sultanahmet Square
Despite the gloomy weather, it is spring time!

Say Cheese!
Tourists getting an "I've Been There" pic infront of Aya Sofia.

Aya Sofia
Completed in 548AD, it was originally built as a church , but was...

Aya Sofia Dome
This is one of the architectural wonders of the world because nothing...

Fake Windows
When Aya Sofia became a mosque, it got a facelift, or rather, some make up....

Corridor in Aya Sofia
The internal space of the Aya Sofia is very grand. The people inside...

Aya Sofia - Details #1

Aya Sofia - Details #2

Aya Sofia - Details #3

Aya Sofia - Details #4

Aya Sofia - Details #5

Giant Urn
These urns inside Aya Sofia were used to store water.

Simmit Seller
These cute carts selling simmit, a popular Turkish bread snack, can be found...

Topkapi Palace Entrance
Topkapi Palace is now a museum.

Turkish Flag
A Turkish Flag waves happily in the wind atop Topkapi Place Entrance.

On Guard!
A guard stands dutifully at Topkapi Palace.

Courtyards
The Courtyards in Topkapi Palace are lined with cypress and plane trees.

Palace Kitchens

Chimney
Huge & high brick chimneys channel the smoke out from the palace...

Tap & Basin
Many beautiful fountain taps such as this one can be found around the Topkapi...

Tapping Its Beauty

The Grand Bazaar
What started out as a pair of small warehouses in 1461 has now grown into the...

Pretty Bowls
Pretty hand made ceramic bowls are a popular item with tourists. They do look...

Go Go Gold!
If your budget allows, you can even splash out at the Grand Bazaar and adorn...

Ornate Knives
You can buy these at the Grand Bazaar too.

Belly Dancing Costumes
Girls, this no doubt will be a hit with your husbands and boyfriends!

Buy An Eye
No one leaves without THE Eye! Made of glass in any size, these blue eyes are...

Istanbul by Night

article published 09/24/2002

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Wonderful Pictures!!!
Cecilia, you had a wonderful time in Turkiye and I loved the pictures you took. They are truly amazing. Thank you for sharing it with the world! :)
— Jenny Gulseren, November 26, 2003

Las fotos son esplendidas.
— Ignacio Lee, July 15, 2003

really cool
Wow ...i had to do a project on this for school and had to research attractionds.... i Thought it was going to be boring but ...wow im amazed im acually planning to go there for a vacation !!! The pictures are beutiful !!!! Thank You for Sharing them w/everyone!!-MArlene 17-california
— MArlene Avalos, June 4, 2003

Very inspiring pictures. Lovely shots of architecture, lines and colors =)
— princ3zz, September 26, 2002

What beautiful pictures! I thoroughly agree with the others.
— stephanie saniga, September 26, 2002

A selective eye
Beautiful images, Cecilia. You bring a selective eye to your subjects, and your pictures go beyond just showing us what things look like. Instead, they express how you feel about the things you are seeing. You find beauty in things that many other travelers would never even notice. Your pictures are easy to read because you simplify them through your vantage point and frame. You move in to show us details, and you use wideangle lenses to stress scale.You find contrasting subjects and place them within the frame to create meaning. Your pictures are a joy to behold, Cecilia. Thank you for sharing them with us.
— Phil Douglis, September 25, 2002

You photograth skilfully! I have truly enjoyed Your pictures.
— Zina, September 24, 2002

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