Istanbul

The splendor of the Blue Mosque

Dear friends and family, if you're thinking about visiting Istanbul and you'd like to meet up with me, the answer is Yes. I'll be there.

Our friends from the States passed through for a few glorious child-free days (and lucky for me it's a cheap direct flight from Tbilisi).

Istanbul is really impressive. It's an intense city and a fascinating display of East meets West.

Blue Mosque interior

This tilework was in the Sultan's Harem, but it's similar to what you'd find in the Blue Mosque.

Hagia Sofia was built by order of Justinian in the 6th century. After nearly 1000 years of functioning as the center of Eastern Orthodoxy it was overtaken by the Ottoman Turks who converted it to a mosque. Since 1935 it has been preserved as a museum (to be honest, I'm not sure how else they could afford to maintain it. It requires constant renovations).

Hagia Sofia does not disappoint; the juxtaposition of Christian and Muslim symbols is significant.

Even with decaying panels, the colors were brilliant.

Stunning mosaics, unintentionally protected by a plaster layer applied when it functioned as a mosque, were revealed in renovations.

Friends in foreign lands. So great to reconnect.

Looking out over the Sea of Marmara

Geographically, Istanbul is unique because it's the only naturally occurring transcontinental city; it's located in both Europe and Asia. The two halves are separated by the Bosporus Strait which leads to the Black Sea. There are commuter boats running back and forth continuously, so it's easy to visit both parts.

I had a great visit, I was particularly impressed by Turkish hospitality, salesmanship, all things spice/tea/dried fruit/nut-related, and of course, the shopping.