travel
Sight-Seeing Topkapi Palace: Home and Harem of the Sultans. The Blue Mosque: Not as overtly “Blue” as you’d expect - Turkey, and Islam’s most beautiful, intricate Mosque is a must visit, for silenced stupor at the ornateness of this early 17th Century hub of worship. The Aya Sofia: The Hagia Sofia repivoted Western Architecture. It was built in 537 AD by Emperor Justinian who succeeded in his intent to make it the greatest church in history. However its status as the world’s greatest piece of architecture attracted invasion by Mehmet the Conqueror and after almost 1000 years as a Church it was proclaimed a Mosque. 400 years later it was finally recognised as a worldhistorical monument and proclaimed a museum and heritage point by Ataturk. It’s simply awe-inspiring and beautiful. above and below left: 360 Restaurant, lounge and club, Istanbul
The Basillica Cistern: Also known as the “Sunken Palace” and made famous by the Bond movie From Russia with Love where 007 rows through a forest of marble columns. That adrenaline packed scene was shot in this underground cistern built by Justinian as a water store for the Great Palace in 532 AD. The Prince’s Islands: If you like tranquillity and culture try the charming 9 islands scattered about 20 kms Southeast of the city in the Sea of Marmara which make for a beautiful scenic escape. The Buyukada Island is a stunning setting as you approach by ferry, lined with sumptuous gingerbread villas that invite you to climb the slopes and hills leading up to the famous bulbous twin cupolas of the Splendid Otel. The view is breath-taking. Getting in with the Locals: Women, be prepared to fall subject to cheesy charm such as “excuse me you dropped something.” Don’t stop and look for your lost object as your admirer will shortly let you know - its “my heart”.>>
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