Istanbul sight seeing Part XI

Hamam (Turkish bath) | Istanbul sight seeing

A trip to a Hamam (Turkish bath) is a valuable part associated with a visit to Istanbul and it is something you'll make sure to repeat before departing (It's the best part for me in Istanbul). You will find a minimum of one historic Hamam in every neighborhood of Istanbul. Be mindful in choosing a Hamam, as they possibly can vary greatly in hygiene. Most places will offer you a scrubbing and/or perhaps a massage. Just finding yourself in the Hamam (like a sauna), is sufficient for seeing and going through the area, however the scrubbing is a superb experience. The massage isn't always much better than individuals present in western nations.

Turkish Bath (Hamam)

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The Turkish Bath (Hamam)

Healthful steam baths (Hamam) have been popular in Turkey for thousands of years, many of them surviving from Hellenic and Roman times.

The Ottomans perfected the Hamam, or Turkish bath which, like the Roman bath, had three rooms: the grand, steamy hot room (caldarium) for steam-soaking and massage; the warm room (tepidarium) for washing with soap and water; and the cool room for resting or napping (perhaps in a private cubicle) after the bath with a cup of Turkish coffee or a glass of tea.

In Ottoman times, Hamams were social centers, and they were the only baths in Turkey until the mid-20th century when western-style tub-bath-and-shower plumbing began to be accepted.

Today modern Turks may shower in the morning before going to the office, but many still reserve time for a weekly steam-and-scrub at a Hamam, a good drying-off with Turkish towels, followed by an hour's relaxation, tea or Turkish coffee, and conversation with friends—one of life's small but significant pleasures.
Credit: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/special/hamam/

Istanbul sight seeing Part X

Old City Walls of Istanbul | Istanbul sight seeing

Old City Walls of Istanbul : Old Constantinople was encircled by walls referred to as land walls and ocean walls. These walls were regarded as the biggest fortress ever built within the Christian era. Using their numerous towers, small and big, they're an impressive sight.

Istanbul's city walls

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Istanbul's city walls - a centuries -old attraction

Niki Gamm

ISTANBUL - Hürriyet Daily News

Istanbul’s first city walls were constructed to protect the acropolis, located where Topkapı Palace is today. The second set was built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 and were outside the Greek walls by some 300 meters.

Among the many monuments for which Istanbul is famous, the centuries-old city walls stand out with their impressive girth and structure. Visitors and residents alike catch a glimpse of them while travelling to and from the airport. They extend for 22 kilometers, stretching from the Sea of Marmara to the Golden Horn and have been breached only twice in their entire history. The first time came in 1204 by the Latin Crusaders who were supposed to be heading toward the Holy Land and again in 1453 by the Ottoman Turks who had been eyeing the city of Constantinople with hungry eyes for a hundred years.

The first city walls were constructed where Topkapı Palace is today to protect the acropolis. They were about 6 kilometers long with 27 towers spread throughout. The second set was built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203 and placed just outside the Greek walls by some 300 meters. When Constantine the Great decided in 324 AD to make the city his eastern capital, his walls were built some 6 kilometers further to the west. The famous Golden Gate through which triumphal emperors would enter the city was erected during the reign of Theodosius the Great (r. 378-395) and situated even farther beyond the Constantine’s walls.

The walls built by Emperor Theodosius II between 412 and 413 A.D. were probably in response to the sacking of Rome by the Visigoths in 409. The walls, which are still known as the Theodosian Walls, had three parts - a main wall, a lower front wall and a moat or trench divided in such a way that it could be filled with water. These walls still extend around the area today though much of them have been repaired using modern technology. The walls were seriously damaged in 447 AD as a result of a violent earthquake. During these years, Attila the Hun had been raiding and capturing Byzantine cities in the Balkan areas and even reached the walls of Constantinople, but the great warrior was not equipped to attack walls of this size at that time. The Byzantines were so frightened, however, that they immediately repaired the damaged walls in 448. Around this same date the emperor had a sea wall built for the first time.

City Wall - The first city walls were constructed to protect the acropolis. They were about six kilometers long with 27 towers spread throughout. The second set was built by the Roman Emperor Septimius Severus in 203.

The very fact that the walls were so formidable kept many an enemy away, although it didn’t stop Arab armies from trying starting in 672 and 673. While the Arabs had a fleet at their disposal the Byzantines had discovered “Greek fire,” an incendiary liquid that could be shot at the enemy. Its formula is unknown but it worked particularly well against ships. It was during this siege that Eyüp Sultan, the companion of the Prophet Mohammed, died and was buried outside the walls. The Arabs had to retreat, but they returned again in 717 to lay siege to the city. Thanks to disease and the Theodosian Walls, the Arabs were forced to withdraw the following year. Although the dream of taking Constantinople remained in the collective Arab memory, it was not until 1453 that the banner of Islam was planted on the city walls.

Credit: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/istanbuls-city-walls---a-centuries--old-attraction.aspx?pageID=238&nid=38868

Istanbul sight seeing Part IX

Hagia Eirene | Istanbul sight seeing

Hagia Eirene (Aya Irini) : It is among the earliest Christian places of worship in Istanbul. It's situated within the outer courtyard of Topkapi Structure. Today, it's now a museum that serves mainly like a concert hall for classical music performances and musical festivals.

Hagia Irene

image credit: www.youropi.com

History and Location of the Hagia Irene

The interior of the Haghia Eirene in Istanbul, Turkey. The Hagia Sophia stands on what is believed to be the oldest site of Christian worship in Istanbul. Roman Emperor Constantine I ordered the church in the 4th century, making it the first church built in Constantinople. After being burned down during the Nike revolt in 532, Emperor Justinian I had the church restored in 548. By then the Patriarchate had already moved to the Hagia Sophia, which was completed in 537. Restorations were again required in the 8th century after severe damages caused by an earthquake.

After the Ottoman conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the Topkapi Palace walls enclosed the church. The Haghia Eirene, located in the first courtyard, was not converted into a mosque but used as an armory and booty warehouse by the Ottoman soldiers.From the 1700’s onwards, the church has been a museum. It was repaired by Field Marshall Ahmed Fethi Paşa in 1846, became the first Turkish museum, and from 1908 until 1978 it was served as the Military Museum. Now the museum is under the control of the Turkish Ministry of Culture.

Credit: http://www.istanbultrails.com/2008/08/the-haghia-eirene-church-of-divine-peace/

Istanbul sight seeing Part VIII

Galata Tower | Istanbul sight seeing

Galata Tower : It had been known as the Christea Turris (Tower of Christ) through the Genoese and also the Megalos Pyrgos (The Truly Amazing Tower) through the Byzantines. It features a modern restaurant and coffee shop on its upper flooring having a stunning look at Istanbul. You can see in the classic guide book to the city HERE! 

 

Galata Tower

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Galata Tower History

Galata Tower has dominated Beyoğlu's skyline since 1348 and still offers the best panoramic views of the city. Above, the Golden Horn, Seraglio Point and Old Istanbul as seen from Galata Tower (looking south).

Originally named the Tower of Christ, it was the highpoint in the city walls of the Genoese colony called Galata. Most of the walls are long gone, but the great tower remains.Until the 1960s it was a fire lookout tower. Now the upper floors hold a restaurant, and a panorama balcony.The panorama balcony, encircling the highest row of windows, is narrow, open to the weather, and not recommended for anyone suffering from acrophobia (fear of heights). If you want the full effect, be here at the time of a call to prayer, preferably the sunset call.The balcony is open daily from 9 am to 5 pm (7 pm in summer). There's an admission fee.

Credit: http://www.turkeytravelplanner.com/go/Istanbul/Sights/Beyoglu/GalataTower.html

Istanbul sight seeing Part VII

Blue Mosque | Istanbul sight seeing

Blue Mosque : Even though it is commonly referred to as Blue Mosque, its real title is Sultan Ahmet Mosque. It is known for the gorgeous blue tiles and glass work ornamenting its walls.

 

Blue Mosque in sunset

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GENERAL INFORMATION

The Blue Mosque (Called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish) is an historical mosque in Istanbul. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of interior design. Mosque was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I . just like many other mosques, it also comprises a tomb of the founder, a Madrasa and a Hospice. Besides still used as a mosque, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque has also become a popular tourist attraction in Istanbul. Besides being tourist attraction, it's also a active mosque, so it's closed to non worshipers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers. Best way to see great architecture of the Blue Mosque is to approach it from the Hippodrome. (West side of the mosque) As if you are non-Muslim visitor, you also have to use same direction to enter the Mosque.
Credit: http://www.bluemosque.co

 

Blue Mosque

 

image credit: http://www.bluemosque.co