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

 image credit: eofor.deviantart.com

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

image credit: monosuites.com

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

Istanbul sight seeing Part VI

Grand Bazaar | Istanbul sight seeing

The Grand Bazaar : The earliest and biggest covered bazaar (in Turkish Kapali Carsi) on the planet can be found in the middle of the town. Within the Grand Bazaar you may enjoy shopping and discover great deals in 5,000 shops.

 

 

image credit: www.flickr.com

The Grand Bazaar History

The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is well known for its jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by type of goods, with special areas for leather, gold jewellery and the like. The bazaar has been an important trading centre since 1461 and its labyrinthine vaults feature two bedestens (domed buildings), the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in 1894 underwent a major restoration following an earthquake.

 

The complex houses two mosques, four fountains, two hamams, and several cafés and restaurants. In the centre is the high domed hall of the Cevahir Bedesten, where the most valuable items and antiques were to be found in the past, and still are today, including furniture, copper-ware, amber prayer beads, inlaid weapons, icons, mother-of-pearl mirrors, water pipes, watches and clocks, candlesticks, old coins, and silver and gold jewellery set with coral and turquoise. A leisurely afternoon spent exploring the bazaar, sitting in one of the cafés and watching the crowds pass by, and bargaining for purchases is one of the best ways to recapture the romantic atmosphere of old Istanbul.

Credit: http://www.grandbazaaristanbul.org/The_Grand_Bazaar.html

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