Istanbul - To Do 25Oct26 (Kariye Mosque Istanbul, Saint Stephen's Bulgarian Orthodox Church, Rahmi M.Koc Museum,Dolmabahce Palace, National Painting Museum)

Istanbul - To Stay
Istanbul - To Do
Istanbul - To Eat

Istanbul - To Do

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Day1
Kariye Mosque Istanbul
Entry Price About 20Euros/29SGD
Opens 9am
(Coincidentally we were turned away for a while as the
Prime Minister of Canada was making a visit that morning.)


*As shared by the volunteer on-site, only the area beyond the depiction of Jesus and Mother Mary is used for praying in the mosque as in their religion they do not pray toward idols.*

The Kariye Mosque is over 1,500yrs in origin, also known as the Church of the Holy Saviour in Chora. The place is all about the stories told through its artwork, the life of Mary, the life of Jesus, and the Christian belief in salvation and resurrection.

*From L to R, Mosaic portraits of Saint Paul often depicted with a book or sword, Jesus in middle and Saint Peter with the keys to the kingdom of heaven.*

It began as a Christian monastery church, became an Ottoman mosque, was preserved as a museum, and returned to mosque status in 2020. Another juxtaposition of Muslim and Catholic faith intertwined with one another.

*Beautiful Mosaic art work preserved for enjoying.*

*“Ruler of All” or “Almighty.” The artwork presents Jesus not merely as a teacher or miracle worker, but as the divine ruler of the universe.*

*Top left and bottom depict the Miracles that Jesus performed like healing the sick. Top right, Christ is seen pulling Adana and Eve out of their tombs.*

*The dramatic scene of the final judgment of humanity.*

*The art work depicts Virgin Mary at the end of her earthly life. In the middle is Christ holding a small, infant-like figure representing Mary's soul.*

To visit Hagia Sophia or the Kariye Mosque? Hagia Sophia (Click here for original posting.) makes you look up at the building whilst the Kariye makes you look closely at the stories on its walls.

Choosing between the Hagia or here, is similar to choosing between Pompeii & Herculaneum (Click here for full write up). The former more famous and enjoyed from a distance, whilst the later more intimate and in greater detail. Best if you have the opportunity to experience both. 

*Hagia Sofia*

The entry price into Kariye Mosque maybe a little steep but you really the stories in order to make this visit seem a more worth. The Mosiac potraits and art were just as impressive, and intricate as those in Rome as seen on the seen on the Seven church pilgrimage (highly recommended). 
Click here for ABBA location of Kariye Mosque Istanbul

Saint Stephen's Bulgarian Orthodox Church
(Balat Area)
You maybe interested in day trip to the Area of Balat. Artsy area located in the area.  
Free to Enter

*Viewed from the Port to take a boat across the river to head to Rahmi M.Koc Museum*

Its nickname is the Iron Church, made of prefabricated iron, much of its structure was prefabricated in Vienna, shipped to Istanbul and assembled beside the Golden Horn. The present church opened in 1898. 

About 500 tonnes (3-4 Boeing 737 Aicrafts or 70 city buses) of iron was used with a lovely waterfront setting. 

*A classic leisurely activity of fishing seen in Istanbul.*

*Ortakoy Mosque*

You maybe interested in Ortakoy Mosque a quaint and absolutely stunning mosque sitting at the waterfront.

You maybe interested in day trip to the Area of Balat. Artsy located across. 
Click here for ABBA location of Saint Stephen's Bulgarian Orthodox Church

Rahmi M.Koc Museum
Entry Price TL1,000/Approx. SGD26

*This was the coolest piece of art work done.*

*Some of the outdoor displays*

*Some of the displays in the docking area.*

*The flying car from Harry Potter. You maybe interested in John Ryland's library located in Manchester, the inspiration behind Harry Potter's visual at Hogwats.*

*A couple of Cadillacs*

For those who enjoy, Aircraft, engineering, science and tech, history this is the place to check out. 

Their curation is huge and surprisingly covers pretty much anything and everything under the sun. Some of the curious collections were pieces throughout time ranging from Espresso Machines, baby cots, water pumps, toys, computers and more. 

*Whichever PC you identify with pretty much shows your era.*

Unfortunately their submarine was closed on our day of visit. The curation is very large but not very well curated. A good catch all and some walks down memory lanes for retro items. I'd put this place as more for families and those who are keen in more over view of machines and collections than a specific curated collection. 
Click here for ABBA location of Rahmi M.Koc Museum

Day 1 Cats

*Happy roaming cats which are well taken care of in Istanbul*

*All looking for love*

*Meal at Lale Lokantasi at Approx SGD24/pax*

*Eats from Day1. Top left, pie of meat and cheese. Pic top right, the surprise winner was the lamb shank soup which  wasn't gamy at all and amazingly tender. One must try their red lentil which was first tried on a guided Istanbul food tour (click here for full sharing). It was amazing
and really opens up the pallet!*

Day2
Dolmabahce Palace
Opens 9am
Entry which includes the painting museum is TL2,000 approx. SGD52

*The entrance on the outside*

*Side of the palace facing the river.*

ABBATip:
- No SELFIE STICKS. So if you want to exit from other exit points and not return to the start to collect your selfie stick, just leave it behind. 
- Only Handphones for taking pictures are allowed. A strange rule I thought but for your info.

Dolmabahçe Palace is about royal life in extraordinary European-style luxury as their emprie approached its final decade. Lavish interiors, diplomacy and the end of the Ottoman dynasty.

- Keep your Ticket! You need it to access different areas of the palace grounds.

- There are many Iron Gates facing the Bosphorus River to take picture at so there's no need to queue at the very first one.
Dolmabahce Palace was built during the 19th century and completed in 1856. It became the principal residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans, replacing Topkapı Palace for many official purposes. 

Sunrise at the Cafe facing the Bosphorus Strait


*Camlica Tower in the distance. A modern telecommunications tower shaped like a tulip, an important symbol in Turkish and Ottoman culture*

*Having a light breakfast in the cool morning. Cafe opens at 9am but you can enter the grounds at about 830am to explore the exterior and riverside.*

Clock Tower

*The clock tower was a public symbol of a changing Ottoman Empire that was blending its imperial traditions with modern European influences.*

The palace grounds



The photographic Iron Gates

ABBATip:
- There are many Iron Gates facing the Bosphorus River to take picture at so there's no need to queue at the very first one.

The Bosphorus was a major transport route in the Ottoman Empire. The waterfront gates beautiful design allowed for the sultan and high-ranking visitors to arrive or depart by boat for ceremonial occasions. 

Crystal Staircase
(One of the two really WOW areas!)


*Built symmetrically and a real sight to behold.*

Absolutely beautiful. Made of Baccarat crystal, with brass and mahogany elements, this was really a staircase suited for a sultan. 

Harem Room

The Harem room is the Sultan's private quatres.

*Pictured right the sultan's bath quaters*

*Various gifts from delegates.*

Main Ceremonial Hall

This was THE place where the sultan displayed the empire’s wealth and prestige during major ceremonies and it really does give that amazing wow factor!

National Painting Museum 
(Resim Muzesi)

*Art depicting the exterior of the palace where the Iron gates are located.*

Nice but it did get a little repetitive after awhile in terms of styles. A side attraction lumped together with the main Dolmabahce Palace.

Some of the key rooms featured were truly amazing and worth the entry price. Giving that wow factor and really showcased the wealth and power of the Ottoman Empire. 

The Ottoman empire ruled for about 623years in 1299AD, followed by the Roman for about 503years in 27BC and Mongol for about 162 year in 1206AD
Click here for ABBA location of the Dolmabahce Palace

Day2 Meows

*Outside the entrance of Dolmabahce Palace*

Eats at Ala Rasi for the day at  Approximately 32SGD/pax. Great food in a really nice setting. Their fresh made pitra brade was the absolute winner!

*Dining and pubs around the Taksim Square area and notable walking street. You maybe interested in a day trip out itinerary in the area which covers IG spots and Istanbul's most promenade Catholic Church hidden away on the side.*

Johor - To Do 14Oct26 (RUD Karting - Sutera Mall)

Johor Bahru - To Eat
Johor Bahru - To Do

Johor - To Do
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Suterea Mall
RUD Racing
(Recommended by Mhd.S)

This chain of racing came recommended by Go-Karting enthusiast and has a number of outlets located all over Johor area. Apparently this is the only one with Go-Kart for kids and what a deal it was. 

ABBATip:
- Bring your own Balaclava to save on having to purchase one at the location.
- Look out for the packages they have. Food is available in a nice airconditioned environment but with the mall located right beside, there are tons of options.

According to staff, its pretty much full of kids all day everyday. They will alternate between Adult racing and children racing. If no adults are in the queue, the kids basically get to go again and again till their hearts content. 

The crowd where other kids come to race usually peaks from late morning and just before dinner time where it tapers down a bit. A good break in between with lots of eating options at the mall beside. 

A great location for a race party and fantastic for the kids. The speed isn't that great but to them was good enough. Unfortunately adults can't be racing with the kids. For a full day pass, it was RM98/child. They are open daily from 11am till late daily.

Click here for ABBA location of RUD Sutera Mall