Basilica Cistern - Basilica Cistern was built by Justinian I, the emperor of the Byzantine in 542 in order to meet the water needs of the palace.
The Blue Mosque - It is called the Blue Mosque since it is decorated with blue, green and white ceramics that cover the dome. With the Hagia Sophia's change into a museum, the Blue Mosque is now the main mosque of Istanbul.
The Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque, is the main Mosque of Istanbul. This means that it is still a practicing mosque, open daily for both tourists and the faithful for payer.
The Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I when he was only 19 years old. It was built near the Hagia Sophia, over the site of the ancient hippodrome and Byzantine imperial palace. When it was built Ahmet wanted his mosque to rival the Hagia Sophia.
The Blue Mosque - The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I when he was only 19 years old. It was built near the Hagia Sophia, over the site of the ancient hippodrome and Byzantine imperial palace. When it was built Ahmet wanted his mosque to rival the Hagia Sophia.
Hagia Sophia - Built by Byzantine Emperor Justinian in 537. It was used as a church for 916 years, and then was converted to a mosque. In 1935 it was transformed into a museum.
Hagia Sophia - Hagia Sophia, is known for its beautiful interior that is decorated with marble, green and white with purple porphyry, and gold mosaics.
Hagia Sophia - The Dome of the Hagia Sophia is interesting for one can see both the christian and islamic influences. The four corners of the dome are decorated with archangels and the names of important muslim prophets can be seen.
Hagia Sophia - The Hagia Sophia, a view of the lower floors from the upper gallery
Mausoleum in the Hagia Sophia - There are three large mausoleums and one small mausoleum in the garden of the Hagia Sophia. Five Ottoman sultan and their families rest there.
The Grand Bazaar - The oldest and biggest indoor bazaar of the world. It is a giant labyrinth, it has 60 streets and more than three thousand shops. There you can buy carpets, antiques and jewelry.
Pipes - these carved smoking pipes are individually crafted by skilled artisans using age-old techniques so no two are exactly alike.
Mosaics & Ceramics - Mosaics and ceramics can be found every where in Istanbul, these are a example for sale in the Grand Bazaar.
Whirling Dervish - Woven necklace and a whirling dervish figuring for sale in the Grand Bazaar. The whirling dervishes are part of the religious practice of sema. In the ceremony the dervish's spin to reach a higher level of spirituality
Slippers - These slippers are popular in Istanbul. They are gorgeous comfortable, and made by very skilled hands.
The Spice Bazaar - Starting business as the first chemist's of istanbul, the Spice Bazaar was built by Turhan Sultan in 1660. In this Bazaar traditional products such as natural medicines, flower seeds, roots and skins of rare plants are still being sold. One can also buy spices, dried nuts, fruits and different foodstuff.
Turkish Delight - Turkish Delight and dried fruits an nuts for sale at the spice bazaar. Turkish delight is made with pekmez (a molasses-like syrup) and honey. It comes in multiple flavors such as peanut, walnut, cream, coconut and rose.
Topkapi Palace - Topkapi Palace was built by Fatih Sultan Mehmed in 1478. It was a home to many sultans, it is home to many fine mosaics and the jewels of the sultans, including the The Spoonmaker's Diamond and the Topkapi Dagger
Circumcision Room at Topkapi Palace - The Circumcision Room at Topkapi Palace. A summer kiosk dedicated to the circumcision of young princes. Its interior and exterior are decorated with a mixed collection of rare recycled tiles such as the blue tiles with flower motifs at the exterior.
Imperial Council Building - The Imperial Council building is the chamber in which the ministers of state, council ministers, the Imperial Council, consisting of the Grand Vizier, viziers, and other leading officials of the Ottoman state, held meetings.
Houses of the Bosporus - The Bosporus is regarded as one of the natural borders separating Asia and Europe and makes it strategically important as a passage way and a natural beauty that gives Istanbul its uniqueness
Yali - Wooden houses or yali on the Bosphorus. These wooden houses can only be bought by nationals of Turkey.
The Cagaloglu Hamami - The Cagaloglu Hamami was a gift to the city in 1741 form Sultan Mehmet I, it is considered one of the finest Turkish Baths and it listed as one of the 1,000 places to see before you die. If you are in Istanbul then you have to experience a turkish bath.
Hanging Lamps - Hanging lamps at the Kybele Hotel Restaurant, where they have excellent food.
Cat and Mosaics - One of the many wild cats, that live around istanbul, in front of one of the many mosaic shops.
Decorative Soaps - Hand made decorative soaps for sale in the Arasta Bazaar. The soap looks like fruit, and the man who makes it uses real fruit seeds when making the soap.
Magic Carpets - Carpet shop in the Arasta Bazaar, Istanbul is known for its carpets. The weaving or the carpet is akin to an art form, the beautiful work and colour is a sense of pride for the weavers.
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