Culture

Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or "The Blue Mosque" in Istanbul, Turkey
Sultan Ahmed Mosque, or "The Blue Mosque" in Istanbul, Turkey
Niki, Thom and Emma in front of The Blue Mosque
Niki, Thom and Emma in front of The Blue Mosque
Niki, Thom and Emma ready to tour the Blue Mosque.
Niki, Thom and Emma ready to tour the Blue Mosque.
Handpainted ceiling tiles of The Blue Mosque
Handpainted ceiling tiles of The Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque ceiling
Blue Mosque ceiling
Another angle of The Blue Mosque
Another angle of The Blue Mosque
Nightime view of The Blue Mosque
Nightime view of The Blue Mosque
The Basilica Cistern, was the major water source during the times of Constantinople. It is 105,000 sq ft in area , capable of holding 2,800,000 cu ft of water.
The Basilica Cistern, was the major water source during the times of Constantinople. It is 105,000 sq ft in area , capable of holding 2,800,000 cu ft of water.
The base of this column inside the Basilica Cistern is Medusa's head.
The base of this column inside the Basilica Cistern is Medusa's head.
The "hen's eye" column inside the Basilica Cistern. The lines are said to be "tears" and Ancient texts suggest that the tears pay tribute to the hundreds of slaves who died during the construction of the Basilica Cistern.
The "hen's eye" column inside the Basilica Cistern. The lines are said to be "tears" and Ancient texts suggest that the tears pay tribute to the hundreds of slaves who died during the construction of the Basilica Cistern.
The Obelisk of Theodosius erected 390 AD. No idea who he was or why it is here, but wow that's old!
The Obelisk of Theodosius erected 390 AD. No idea who he was or why it is here, but wow that's old!
Hagia Sophia was built in 537 AD as Greek Orthodox Christian Church. It remained so until 1453 (ok, minor note that between 1204 and 1261 it was a Roman Catholic Church). In 1453 it was converted to an Ottoman mosque until 1931. It was then secularized and opened as a museum in 1935. From the time it was built until 1520 it was the world's largest cathedral.
Hagia Sophia was built in 537 AD as Greek Orthodox Christian Church. It remained so until 1453 (ok, minor note that between 1204 and 1261 it was a Roman Catholic Church). In 1453 it was converted to an Ottoman mosque until 1931. It was then secularized and opened as a museum in 1935. From the time it was built until 1520 it was the world's largest cathedral.
Inside The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Inside The Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Emma shopping in the Grand Bazaar (and Niki helping her count her money).
Emma shopping in the Grand Bazaar (and Niki helping her count her money).
Shopping in modern Istanbul
Shopping in modern Istanbul
Lamps for sale
Lamps for sale
Thom and Emma shopping for souvenirs in Istanbul
Thom and Emma shopping for souvenirs in Istanbul
Street art for sale
Street art for sale
Gingerbread house display at The Four Seasons. Istanbul is predominantly Muslim, so it's always amusing to see these kinds of tributes to Western, Christian visitors.
Gingerbread house display at The Four Seasons. Istanbul is predominantly Muslim, so it's always amusing to see these kinds of tributes to Western, Christian visitors.
Family photo in front of the Four Seasons Christmas tree.
Family photo in front of the Four Seasons Christmas tree.

Food

Spices and Turkish Delight are sold everywhere.
Spices and Turkish Delight are sold everywhere.
This dish is cooked in a terra cotta pot that comes to your table on fire. Supposedly the meat cooks while it's alight. Then the server cuts off the top of the terra cotta pot and serves the dish onto your plate. It makes for a great show!
This dish is cooked in a terra cotta pot that comes to your table on fire. Supposedly the meat cooks while it's alight. Then the server cuts off the top of the terra cotta pot and serves the dish onto your plate. It makes for a great show!
Fisherman peddling his catch in the street.
Fisherman peddling his catch in the street.
Street Food. We are hungry and cranky!
Street Food. We are hungry and cranky!
Thom and Emma (Age 5) were great sports when it came to eating almost the entire trip. So on our last day, we decided to stop by The Four Seasons for lunch where pasta and a children's menu were sure to be found.
Thom and Emma (Age 5) were great sports when it came to eating almost the entire trip. So on our last day, we decided to stop by The Four Seasons for lunch where pasta and a children's menu were sure to be found.