Throughout history, hundreds of writers have ventured to Istanbul to recount its splendors, their words far more eloquent than mine and their knowledge of history far more expansive. Therefore, instead of trying to capture Istanbul with words, I choose only to show my pictures with short, informative captions. Please enjoy!
The original Haghia Sophia was constructed by Constantinius, successor of Constantine the Great, in the year 360 A.D. This structure was burned to the ground during mob riots protesting the exile of John Chrysostom. After reconstruction, the second building suffered a similar fate, being burned to the ground during the Nika Revolt. Amazingly, the edifice seen in this picture is what survives of the third Haghia Sophia constructed by Emperor Justinian in the year 537 A.D. It remained the largest cathedral for thousands of years. Its dome, deemed the “epitome of Byzantine architecture”, is said to have changed the course of architecture. The interior of the church features impressive mosaics dating as early as the 8th century.
A panoramic of the interior of the Haghia Sophia.
The Blue Mosque, founded by Sultan Ahmet I and constructed by architect Mehmet Aḡa in the early 1600s, dominates the Istanbul skyline. Built directly across from the Haghia Sophia, one cannot help but wonder if it was constructed to show up the early Byzantine church. Just outside the Blue Mosque stands the Hippodrome, which used to house chariot races and was the sight where the thirty thousand rioters from the Nika Revolt were finally massacred.
The Mısır Carşısı (Egyptian Spice Bazaar) is one of the oldest and most popular markets in Istanbul. To this day it is one of the best places to buy Egyptian spices and tea.
The remains of this arch were once the center of the Roman Empire. This is the starting point from which all distances to the edge of the empire were measured.
This cistern was built by Justinian around 532 A.D., most likely as an expansion to the original built by Constantine the Great. Much of the historical information regarding the cistern appears to have been lost. For hundreds of years, residents of Sultanahmet would draw water and catch fish from holes in their basement floor. No one asked how this was possible until 1546 when Petrus Gyllius found a hole big enough to stick his head into. Two of the columns supporting the cistern feature the faces of the Gorgon sister (including Medusa). These pillars once stood in the Forum of Constantine.
The Chora Museum (Kariye Müzesi) is the hidden gem of Istanbul. It contains some of the most extensive and interesting Byzantine mosaics and frescoes in the world. The above mosaic is entitled “Christ Pontocrator” and is featured in the lunette over the entrance.
The “Anastasis” (Resurrection) of Chora Church is one of the greatest Byzantine frescoes in the world. It features Jesus with the gates of Hell beneath his feat and Satan bound, laying before him. With his right and left hand he pulls Adam and Eve out of the grave. A crowd of righteous witnesses stand behind him, including St. John the Baptist, David, King Solomon, and Abel.
Emily Elbert live in Taksim Square.
A Turkish writer, Elif Shafak, has some very insightful things to say about fictional writing and culture. It is certainly worth watching.
http://turcopedia.com/2011/09/26/elif-shafak-inspires-ted/
What a way to start my day, a visit to Istanbul through my grandson’s camera lens. You are seeing unbelievable sights of antiquity. Thanks for sharing, I love your blogs!