Istanbul - To Do
Istanbul - To Eat
Istanbul - To Do
03Nov2013
03Nov2013
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Hagia Sofia
Simply amazing. The only place in the world where two religious coexist beautifully, in harmony, creating an amazing architectural wonder not to be missed. Even the museum shop have replica pieces of intricate details pieces available at a price.
Blue Mosque
*The many free roaming cats in Istanbul. Taken 23Feb24*
Hagia Sofia
*SCAM ALERT*
ABBA Contribution by Hendri"I was actually approached by a couple of scammers around the Blue Mosque who started by asking me to take a picture of them as if they were actual tourists. Apparently they did this to build trust, by showing me they "trusted" me with their phones/cameras. They then talked to me, gave me recommendations etc, and even showed that they were "tourists" by showing me that they possessed a nearby hotel's key card. Finally, they asked me to join them for a walk and a drink. Needless to say, I declined and left them. Apparently it's quite common in the touristy spots in Istanbul, and they target single male travellers."
ABBA Contribution by Hendri"I was actually approached by a couple of scammers around the Blue Mosque who started by asking me to take a picture of them as if they were actual tourists. Apparently they did this to build trust, by showing me they "trusted" me with their phones/cameras. They then talked to me, gave me recommendations etc, and even showed that they were "tourists" by showing me that they possessed a nearby hotel's key card. Finally, they asked me to join them for a walk and a drink. Needless to say, I declined and left them. Apparently it's quite common in the touristy spots in Istanbul, and they target single male travellers."
*Pics taken on 22Feb24. Some changes to the Hagi Sofia. Only the upper levels are accesible. With their wifi netowrk it enhances the experience with videos and augmented reality to engage with the beauty of the place and the history behind the art pieces. Prices have gone up significantly to 25Euros per person.*
Walk the halls and see the grand mosaic pieces, depicting the christian faith. They have since have had a barrier built around it as tourist in the past, have been taking pieces of the tiles for keep sake.
A masterpiece in itself. Don't forget to complete a 360degree turn with your hand, for good luck on the "magical pillar" located on the ground floor. Entry goes for 25TL. (25Euros now in Feb'24)
Click here for ABBA location of Hagia Sofia, Ayasofya Meydanı Sultanahmet Fatih, Turkey, from Sultanahmet Station
Click here for ABBA location of Hagia Sofia, Ayasofya Meydanı Sultanahmet Fatih, Turkey, from Sultanahmet Station
*SCAM ALERT*
ABBA Contribution by Hendri
"I was actually approached by a couple of scammers around the Blue Mosque who started by asking me to take a picture of them as if they were actual tourists. Apparently they did this to build trust, by showing me they "trusted" me with their phones/cameras. They then talked to me, gave me recommendations etc, and even showed that they were "tourists" by showing me that they possessed a nearby hotel's key card. Finally, they asked me to join them for a walk and a drink. Needless to say, I declined and left them. Apparently it's quite common in the touristy spots in Istanbul, and they target single male travellers."
A religiously significant place of worship, the Blue mosque stands grand in its complicated designs and blue detailing. Perhaps due to the large troves of visitors and worshipers alike, the carpets are constantly worn down and do have a wet-sock odor which lingers throughout the place. ABBA Contribution by Hendri
"I was actually approached by a couple of scammers around the Blue Mosque who started by asking me to take a picture of them as if they were actual tourists. Apparently they did this to build trust, by showing me they "trusted" me with their phones/cameras. They then talked to me, gave me recommendations etc, and even showed that they were "tourists" by showing me that they possessed a nearby hotel's key card. Finally, they asked me to join them for a walk and a drink. Needless to say, I declined and left them. Apparently it's quite common in the touristy spots in Istanbul, and they target single male travellers."
*On the chandeliers, ostrich eggs are found that were meant to avoid cobwebs inside the mosque by repelling spiders.*
*The Blue Mosque as seen from Hagia Sophia*
Free entry for all. Though in my personal opinion not as impressive as the Hagia Sophia, but perhaps to others, religiously more significant. You decide between the two mosques.
What's not to be missed are the prayers being played at timings throughout the day. A definite one of a kind experience to be in the heart of it.
Click here for ABBA location of the Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Mh. Torun Sk No:19, 34400 Istanbul, Turkey
Click here for ABBA location of the Blue Mosque, Sultan Ahmet Mh. Torun Sk No:19, 34400 Istanbul, Turkey
Archaeology Museum
An impressive selection of Sarcophagus. Be in awe at these huge mastery creations to send of love ones to their afterlife. Take your time to fully absorb the detailed carvings, telling the story of the individual. A few marble statues line the halls as well.
*Pictured from L to R, Bronze Snake Head, Human Remains, Ancient Piece of wooden boat model*
The upper levels were of little interest, with a sporadic sprinkling of artifacts. However, the Sarcophagus collection and roman sculptures on the ground floor were well worth the 10TL entry.
Spice Market
*Taken 22Feb24*
The spice markets, no prizes here, sells spices. But apart from that, the shops do get repetitive quite quickly. A quick view around, reveals shops are either in the sale of Turkish delights and nuts, canned caviar from sturgeons hailing from Russia, and various teas and blinged out drinking sets.
Click here for ABBA location of the Spice Market, Tahmis Sk
Galata Kpr Bridge
*Taken on 21Feb24*
Take a walk across the bridge, and watch locals fish for what seems to be sardines or herring? A picturesque sight to behold with the mosque in the background. A number of eats exists below thee bridge as well. (Yet to be explore).
Apparently, one could rent the full set of equipment for you to get in on the fishing action as well at a small fee.
Taksim Square
There really isn't a square to demarcate Taksim Square, but it generally refers to the entire area. Taksim Square is a filled with various restaurants and shops and reflective of many modern city's main shopping district. With even a running tram which very strongly resembles that of San Fran's historic tram service.
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