Welcome

Where have you been? It's alright we know where you've been. You've been in the pipeline, filling in time, Provided with toys and scouting for boys. You bought a guitar to punish your ma, And you didn't like school, And you know you're nobody's fool, So welcome to the machine.

Thursday, December 28, 2006

Sultanahmet Mosque

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

The mosque from afar.

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

The view of the mosque through the trees near the metro line that runs right in front of the mosque.

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

Approaching the mosque.

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

Different view.

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

Outside the mosque.

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

The view of the dome through the main entrance while climbing the stairs that lead inside.

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

Right outside the door.

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

Inside the perimeter of the mosque.

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

In the main courtyard.

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

A closer look.

Outside Sultanahmet Mosque

One of the six minarets.

Approaching the Sultanahmet Mosque (Side facing Hagia Sophia)

Sultanahmet Mosque

The grand Sultanahmet Mosque visible over a fountain.

Sultanahmet Mosque

Approaching the Sultanahmet mosque from the side. Hagia Sophia is exactly opposite this side.

Sultanahmet Mosque

Closer still.

Sultanahmet Mosque

That's me outside the mosque. Picture taken by a Chinese tourist. There were loads of them around.

Sultanahmet Mosque

Just outside the side entrance.

Sultanahmet Mosque

That's me outside the side entrance. Picture taken by a woman (origin unknown)!

Sultanahmet Mosque

Sultanahmet Camii (pronounced 'jami').

Sultanahmet Mosque

The door to the mosque.

Sultanahmet Mosque

The side of the mosque.

The Sultanahmet Mosque

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

The inscription on top of the main door

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

Facing towards the front of the mosque. You immediately notice the huge and elaborate chandelier in the middle of the praying area.

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

A closer look at the chandelier.

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

From the side, the front of the mosque. Notice the elaborate windows!

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

Another view.

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

The stairs from where the imam gives his sermon.

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

The imam's domain!

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

A view of the domed ceiling.

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

The windows.

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

This is to the side of the mosque. People can sit here and read the Quran.

Inside of Sultanahmet Mosque

Same area.

Monday, December 25, 2006

A History of the Hagia Sophia (Ayasofia)

Hagia Sophia or Holy Wisdom is the mother church of all Eastern Christians of the Byzantine liturgical tradition both Orthodox and Greek Catholic. Early accounts suggest that the site of this, the grandest church in Christendom, in the first millennium had been the site of a pagan temple appropriated for the service of the new religion. The first church on the site was built by the Eastern Roman Emperor Constantius, son of Emperor Constantine, who had liberated the Christian faith from centuries of persecution. Constantius' church was consecrated in 360 AD. At first it was known as the Great Church because it was the largest at the time. Later it became known as Holy Wisdom, a name attributed to Christ by theologians of the 4th century.

In 404 AD the church was destroyed by mobs set into action when Emperor Arcadius sent Archbishop John Chrysostom into exile for his criticism of the Empress. In 415 AD Emperor Theodosius II rebuilt the church. It too fell victim to a rampaging mob at the time of Monophysite heretics in 532 AD. The new Emperor Justinian, firm defender of orthodoxy, made short work of the howling heretics and ordered that construction begin on a new basilica such as had never been seen before. The construction work lasted from 532 to 537; the new church was consecrated by Patriarch Menas on December 27, 537.

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)

Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofia)


I had heard a lot about the Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofia) and was really excited to see it. However, the building somehow loses to the grand image people have built up. But then you realise that it's not a modern building but a structure made in the year 537. The old basilica was made in 404 over the remains of which the new one was constructed. Just to be walking on the same stones that people 1500 years ago walked on just gives you a sensation of the deep history. Your spine tingles. I'm pretty sure that doesn't happen when you look at the pics I've posted. Mine still does!

This church was the biggest church in all of christiandom when it was completed in 537 until the St. Peters Church in Rome - more than a THOUSAND years later.

Thursday, December 21, 2006

Spoonmaker's Diamond

The Spoonmaker's Diamond, kept in Topkapı Palace, is the world's fifth biggest diamond. It got its name when someone found it on a rubbish heap, thought it was a fake, and swapped it for three spoons.


I plan to check out the Topkapı Palace on the coming weekend. Let's hope I get time and get to see the diamond!

Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Belly Dancing!

Belly Dancer

Finally I get to see the much-hyped belly dance of Turkey!

Monday, December 18, 2006

Sunset on the Marmara









Sunsets on the sea are always beautiful! And so was this. However, when the coastline silhouette has the grand minars of the Ottoman-era mosques of Istanbul, it makes a completely new experience. This was one of the most unforgettable moments for me!