Istanbul Sights

We were in Istanbul for four days, and during that period of time we visited the Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Suliman the Great Mosque, The Topkapi Palace, Grand Bazaar, Spice Market, The Basilica Cistern, a Whirling Dervish performance, many local restaurants and a 2 hour cruise along the Bosphorus.
But I'm only going to mention the sights that you really will want to see, if you don't want to waste any time in Istanbul.
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1. Hagia Sophia

 The Hagia Sophia is probably the biggest, most historical and prestigious sight in Istanbul. Inside the museum you will find grand pillars and stone walls and floors that caving inwards, with murals and frescoes everywhere.
Chandeliers dangle from the dome that has the illusion that it is "floating" along the windows.
The Hagia Sophia is an interesting sight for those who are interested in history as it was built as a church and then converted into a mosque during the Ottoman Empire.
I also recommend people who like photography to visit the museum.
But if you aren't too interested in either of those things why not go just because you don't want to miss out on Turkey's most famous sight, or just give it a miss if you like, I bet your children will be very happy, unless they enjoy history themselves.




2. Basilica Cistern

This was the most beautiful sight, for me.
The cistern is located just off the road next to the Hagia Sophia, and only takes about 20-30 minutes, so feel free to wander over after visiting the museum.
Once you get underground you will find a dark room with dozens and dozens of pillars all lined up neatly in rows with lights to illuminate them, a small pool of water stretched across the cistern and koi fish swimming around, waiting to be fed.
If you wander to the back, you will see two big pillars with Medusa's head beneath them. One is sideways and the other upside down, me being a huge lover of the Greek Gods and tales I was really excited to see the heads as I thought they were real until I realised they were stone (does that mean she turned herself to stone ?).
NOT A MISS in Istanbul. Beautiful, and you come out with amazing photos.
Go visit it!


3. The Topkapi Palace

We visited the Topkapi Palace on one of the most pleasant days we had in Istanbul.
I think that the palace is like the Hagia Sophia, it's very much like a museum, and is more for people who like history, but if you are interested in photography, then visit the Harem, as it is a small building off the side of the main palace that is very quaint yet grand at the same time.
It is great for photography, especially when it's a good day!

The main palace however is basically just text and displays that showcase things like robes, jewellery, weapons and all the royal luxuries that the Sultans had.
Visit if you love history!






4.  Mosques - Suliman the Great and the Blue Mosque

All three of us found that even though all the mosques in Istanbul are beautiful, they are all the same.
After visiting two or three you will see what I am talking about.
The mosques (again) are very good for photography, with the chandeliers, domes, carpeted floors and frescoes.
As we visited in winter, dressing modestly was not a problem as everyone was in coats, long warm pants and boots. But in the summer it's probably ten times harder (and hotter) to wear long pants and a headscarf.









Will be posting about the FOOD (the real business!) soon!