After the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople, and renamed it to Istanbul in 1453, they began modernizing the city by building grand mosques such as the Süleymaniye Mosque, and Blue Mosque.
The Süleymaniye Mosque is the largest mosque in Istanbul.
However, by the 1700s the Ottoman Empire's influence began to wane, and it sought inspiration from the West. An example can be seen through the abandonment of the old Topkapı Palace in favor of the new grand Western style Dolmabahçe Palace.
Dolmabahçe Palace is the largest palace in Turkey.
After WWI, the Ottoman Empire fell, and the Allies drew up a treaty that would divide Turkey among the victors. Mustafa Kemal Atatürk led a three year long liberation movement to repel the invading armies (Turkish War of Independence), and successfully established the Turkish Republic in 1923.
Additionally, Atatürk propelled Turkey into the 20th century, and built a modern, progressive democratic state. Some of his notable reforms include:
- Separating religion and state by removing Islam as the state religion and upholding civil law over Islamic law.
- Changing the alphabet from Arabic script to Roman letters.
- Abolishing all of the corrupt Ottoman institutions.
- Emancipating women.
Mustafa Kemal Atatürk (1881-1938)
The Bosphorus Straight runs north to south through the middle of Istanbul, splitting the city in half and causing it to straddle two continents: Asia and Europe. Asian Istanbul is mostly residential, so for our Turkey Adventure Part 2, we continued exploring through European Istanbul where the city's most famous sights were.
We absolutely loved our time in Istanbul, but as such all good things must come to an end, and we had to make our way to Seda and Andrew's wedding. Enjoy our Turkey Adventure Part 2!
- Topkapı Palace
- Istanbul Archaeological Museum
- Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
- Galata Tower
- Galata Bridge
- Basilica Cistern
- Chora Church
- Walls of Theodosius
- Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
- Little Hagia Sofia
- Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
- Dolmabahçe Palace
- New District
Topkapı Palace was the major residence of the Ottoman sultans for almost 400 years (1465-1856). The palace was gradually enlarged over the centuries with each reigning sultan contributing according to the style of the era, resulting in a patchwork of architectural styles.
Harem
Courtyard of the Black Eunuchs
I will protect you.
Mother Sultan's Private Apartments
The dome is covered with colorful 17th century Kütahya tiles.
Many of the rooms are influenced by European trends. Notice the Western style paintings, and inlaid cupboards.
It’s getting chilly in here. Let's light the fireplace.
Sultan's Private Apartments
The Imperial Hall was built in the 16th century. It's the largest room in the sultan's private apartments, and served as the official reception hall, and for entertainment of the Harem.
The dome is the largest in the palace.
Twin Pavilions
The connected pavilions are decorated with stained glass windows and floral tiles.
Traditionally, sultans would kill their brothers to avoid conflicts over the throne. Instead of death, Sultan Ahmet I chose to imprison his brothers for life in these pavilions.
Courtyard of the Favorites
The white building was where the sultan’s favorites (haseki) resided. The mother sultan would select the haseki from among the concubines, and these women would often bear the child of a sultan.
Perfect view of the Golden Horn and New District.
Summer Pavilion
The walls are covered with rare Ottoman tiles. The most important of these are the blue and white tiles which date back to 1529.
Tulip Garden
Ahmet III, also known as the "Tulip Sultan," had a private garden where he grew rare bulbs. Turks first brought tulips from central Asia, and later shipped to them to Holland in the 16th century.
Tulip obsession.
Imperial Treasury
Photography was prohibited in this area, so images are courtesy of the Topkapı Palace website.
The Imperial Treasury is made up of four adjoining rooms displaying a collection of the Ottoman sultans' riches.
Lines can be especially long, so visit in the early morning or around closing time.
Treasury Salon I
The Gold Festival Throne (Bayram Tahtı).
In 1585, Sultan Murad III was gifted a magnificent throne made of gold plated walnut wood and studded with 957 peridots by his new son in law.
Treasury Salon II
Topkapi Emerald Dagger.
The golden hilt is ornamented with three large emeralds, topped by a golden watch with an emerald lid. Along both sides of the handle are rows of diamonds and the back of the handle is covered in mother of pearl and enamel.
Treasury Salon III
Spoonmaker's Diamond (Kaşıkçı Elması).
This diamond is an 86-carat pear-shaped jewel set in silver, and surrounded by a double row of 49 smaller diamonds. It's considered the fourth largest diamond of its kind in the world.
Sultan's Crest.
Treasury Salon IV
Throne of Sultan Mahmud I.
This 18th century Indian style golden throne is decorated with pearls and emeralds. It was a gift from Persian King Nader Shah to Ottoman Sultan Mahmud I.
Hall of Holy Relics
Photography was prohibited in this area, so images are courtesy of the Topkapı Palace website. In addition, visitors are asked to show decorum, and refrain from entering with shorts, mini-skirts, tank tops, or strapless clothing.
The Holy Relics consist of religious pieces sent to the Ottoman Sultans between the 16th century to the late 19th century. These include items from Muhammad, and his companions such as Abraham's granite cooking pot, Moses' staff, David's sword, and Joseph's turban. The authenticity of these items are questionable.
Chest of Muhammad’s daughter Fatimah.
Hair from Muhammad's beard.
Footprint of the Muhammad.
Closing time.
Istanbul Archeological Museum
The Istanbul Archeological Museums consists of three museums: 1) Archaeological Museum, 2) Museum of the Ancient Orient, and 3) Museum of Islamic Art. The collection rivals any on Earth with over one million objects encompassing all eras and civilizations in world history.
Museum of the Ancient Orient
The Museum of the Ancient Orient collection offers an exquisite look at the ancient cultures of the Near and Middle East.
In ancient Egypt, the dead were mummified because it was believed that the spirit would eventually come back as an immortal.
These tile friezes once decorated the walls of the ancient city, Babylon. The designs include sacred animals such as bulls, and dragons.
Oh my!
Relief Orthostat, Tiglath-Pilesar III Period (744-727 BCE), Basalt.
Procession of soldiers from different orders of The Assyrian Army.
Seals of Anatolia.
Kadesh Treaty, 1269 BCE, Clay.
The Kadesh Treaty is the world’s oldest surviving peace treatment between the Hittite King Hattusili III and the Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II.
Moulding of Rock Relief, Late Hittite Period (8th Century BCE), Lime.
The huge relief shows Warpalas, the King of Tyana (right) praying to the Plant and Storm God, Tarhunza (left).
The most important artifact from the ancient city of Adab is the limestone statue of Lugaldalu, governor of Adab during mid 3rd century BCE.
Ceremonial Scene of Wrestlers and Musicians, 6th century BCE, Limestone.
Statue of Lion, Late Classical (4th century BCE), Marble.
The lion statue is the only piece in the collection from the Halicarnassus Mausoleum, one of the Seven Ancient Wonders of the World.
Statue of Marsyas (copy), Roman Period (3rd century BCE), Marble.
Phrygian satyr was skinned after challenging Apollo with his flute.
Bust of the Emperor Marcus Aurelius, 161-180 CE, Marble.
Aren't his curls so dreamy?
Statue of Poseidon (God of the Sea), Early Roman (1st century), Marble.
Ancient coins from The City-State Period (5th century BCE-268 CE) to The Latin Occupation (1204-1261).
Censer, 12-13th century BCE, Terracotta.
The censer is a ritual object with superimposed sphinx and lion reliefs on both sides. The small square openings were possibly for the smoke of fumigated plants.
Siloam Inscription, 7th century BCE, Limestone.
Hezekiah, the King of Judah prepared Jerusalem against the Assyrians and the possibility of scarcity of water by building a tunnel that would bring water from Kidron Valley. At the end of the tunnel, there's an inscription telling the story of how the tunnel was miraculously built.
Time to refuel.
Time to refuel.
Archaeological Museum
The Archaeological Museum is home to sarcophagi from the Sidon (present day Lebanon) and artifacts from the Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines, Trojans, and more.
Osman Hamdi (1842-1910) founded the Archaeological Museum, and is regarded as the father of Turkish museums. Hamdi brought these sarcophagi in the 1880s from Sidon and other sites in the Middle East.
Grave Steles and Egyptian-Style Sarcophagi.
These Egyptian style sarcophagi are called "anthropoid" because they were crafted in the shape of the human body.
Satrap Sarcophagus.
Satraps were Persian governors, and the scenes on the sides of the sarcophagus often trace their life.
Sidamara Sarcophagus, Roman Period (2nd-3rd century CE), Marble.
Medallion Decorated with Medusa's Head.
Rather than facing straight ahead, Medusa's head is slightly turned to the left with her eyes looking in the same direction.
Museum of Islamic Art
This museum has a collection of some of the finest examples of Selçuk, Ottoman, and regional tiles which were used both to decorate architectural
These star shaped wall tiles with animal and floral designs date from the 13th century, and are from the summer place of Selçuk sultans in Konya (central Turkey).
Mosaic Ornamentation on the Mihrab from Sahip Ata Mosque, 1258, Glazed.
These oil burning ceramic lamps were used in mosques, and hung from the ceiling by the handles.
Tiled Mihrab, 1432, Glazed.
Beautiful color glazed tiles and intricate gold designs.
Whirling Dervishes Ceremony
(Istanbul Mevlevileri Sema ve Tasavvuf Müziği Topluluğu)
"The Mevlevi Sema Ceremony" of Turkey is considered a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.
The Mevlevi (Whirling Dervishes) are members of the Muslim (Sufi) religious order, and are famous for their practice of whirling as a part of a formal spiritual ceremony (Sema).
The dervishes wear a white skirt (tennure), a wide black cloak (hırka), and a tall camel's hair hat (sikke).
The ritual hall (samahane).
The dervishes wear a white skirt (tennure), a wide black cloak (hırka), and a tall camel's hair hat (sikke).
The ritual hall (samahane).
First Selam
During the first selam, a solo singer eulogizes Muhammad and recognizes God.
Second Selam
The second selam consists of a reed flue improvisation honoring His unity.
Third Selam
In the third selam, the dervishes surrender. They begin by bowing to each other and making a stately procession in single file around the hall.
Next, they remove their black cloaks, and get ready to whirl to the accompanied Peshrev music.
The right palms face upwards towards Heaven, while the left hand is pointed toward the ground.
The dervishes whirl on their left foot in a circular, anti-clockwise procession three times.
Dizzying!
Fourth Selam
In the fourth selam, the dancers do not move around the hall, and whirl where they stand. Additionally, the sheikh joins the dance.
After the completion of the Sema, the dervish line up once again symbolizing the unity of God.
The dervishes retire silently to their rooms for meditation, and the ceremony concludes with the Sheikh reciting a prayer for peace from the Qu'ran.
Galata Tower
(Galata Kulesi)
(Galata Kulesi)
"I've got the Golden Ticket!"
After climbing the little staircase behind the tower, take the elevator to the 7th floor restaurant, and then walk up to observation terrace.
Rooftops of the European side.
Bosphorus and Asia Istanbul.
Magnificent!
Sweeping views of the Old Town and Golden Horn.
Until we meet again.
Until we meet again.
Galata Bridge
(Galata Köprüsü)
(Galata Köprüsü)
At the Eminönü end of the Galata Bridge, visitors can enjoy the city's favorite street food, the fish sandwich (balık ekmek).
The sandwiches consists of a mackerel fillet quickly grilled, salted and sprinkled with red pepper, served with onion, lettuce, and a wedge of lemon for squeezing over the top.
There's nothing better than ending the day with a yummy meal, people watching, and sunset over the Bosphorus.
Basilica Cistern
(Yerebatan Sarayı)
The Basilica Cistern was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to meet the needs of a fast growing capital city and to provide water in case of a shortage.
(Yerebatan Sarayı)
The Basilica Cistern was built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century to meet the needs of a fast growing capital city and to provide water in case of a shortage.
To avoid long lines, go early in the morning when ticket offices opens.
Descending the stairs into the dimly lit, cavernous chamber.
The cistern is 460 feet long and 230 feet wide; roughly the size of two football fields.
It's large enough to hold 27 million gallons of fresh water. I'm not sure how the fish got there.
Clay pipes and aqueducts carried water 12 miles from the Belgrade Woods to the cistern. Gradually these pipes became clogged, and the cistern fell out of use.
It's hard to imagine that water once filled this space halfway to the ceiling! Today, it's just a shallow pond, formed from rainwater that leaks in through cracks and compromised mortar in the ceiling.
There are 336 columns that supports the brick ceiling, most of which were recycled from earlier Roman ruins in and around the city.
Fun Fact: The cistern was used as a location for the 1963 James Bond film From Russia with Love.
In the northwest corner, there are two stone Medusa heads lying on the ground, one sideways, and one upside down.
It's unknown as to why these Medusa heads are here. One theory is that it was reminder of Roman's persecution of the Christians. Another proposes that it simply was the perfect size base to raise the two columns to ceiling height.
Chora Church
(Kariye Museum)
The Chora Church is a medieval Byzantine Greek Orthodox church, and it's most famous for its 14th century mosaics.
The Chora Church is a medieval Byzantine Greek Orthodox church, and it's most famous for its 14th century mosaics.
Outer Narthex
Incarnation of Jesus Christ.
Just above the door of the entrance is a scene of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus in her womb.
Joseph Dreaming and Journey to Bethlehem.
On the left, Joseph dreams of an angel explaining Mary's pregnancy to him. On the right, Joseph and Mary journey to Bethlehem.
Nativity and Temptation of Christ.
The bottom shows all the events related to the birth of Christ. On the top is the story of the temptation of Christ told in four scenes with the Devil represented as a dark winged creature.
Journey of the Magi and Magi Before Herod.
In the center are the three wise men on horseback (Melchior, Balthasar, and Caspar) following the star to find the newborn Christ Child, and later offering their gifts to Herod, who sits on a throne.
Inner Narthex
The inner narthex teaches the delicate balance between Jesus, curing the sick and working miracles, and Mary.
Ancestors of Mary.
At the center of the dome is Mary with baby Jesus. The upper figures are the genealogical ancestors, whereas the lower figures are ancestors outside the official lineage.
Deesis Mosaic.
This deesis mosaic shows Christ and Mary, interceding on behalf of sinners.
Biblical Genealogy of Christ.
In the center, Jesus Christ holds the Bible in one hand and makes the sign of the Trinity with the other. In the flutes of the dome are Christ's Old Testament ancestors with distinct attributes identifying each figure.
Parekklesion
Last Judgment.
This color fresco shows Jesus sitting on a throne in the center, flanked by the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, and the 12 apostles seated at either side. Underneath are scenes from the Book of Revelation; Christ's victory over death and the salvation of the righteous.
Just above the door of the entrance is a scene of the Virgin Mary holding baby Jesus in her womb.
Joseph Dreaming and Journey to Bethlehem.
On the left, Joseph dreams of an angel explaining Mary's pregnancy to him. On the right, Joseph and Mary journey to Bethlehem.
Nativity and Temptation of Christ.
The bottom shows all the events related to the birth of Christ. On the top is the story of the temptation of Christ told in four scenes with the Devil represented as a dark winged creature.
Journey of the Magi and Magi Before Herod.
In the center are the three wise men on horseback (Melchior, Balthasar, and Caspar) following the star to find the newborn Christ Child, and later offering their gifts to Herod, who sits on a throne.
Inner Narthex
The inner narthex teaches the delicate balance between Jesus, curing the sick and working miracles, and Mary.
Ancestors of Mary.
At the center of the dome is Mary with baby Jesus. The upper figures are the genealogical ancestors, whereas the lower figures are ancestors outside the official lineage.
Deesis Mosaic.
This deesis mosaic shows Christ and Mary, interceding on behalf of sinners.
Biblical Genealogy of Christ.
In the center, Jesus Christ holds the Bible in one hand and makes the sign of the Trinity with the other. In the flutes of the dome are Christ's Old Testament ancestors with distinct attributes identifying each figure.
Parekklesion
Last Judgment.
This color fresco shows Jesus sitting on a throne in the center, flanked by the Virgin Mary, John the Baptist, and the 12 apostles seated at either side. Underneath are scenes from the Book of Revelation; Christ's victory over death and the salvation of the righteous.
Entry of the Elect into Paradise.
In the middle is a cherub with close wings (red figure) protecting the entrance into heaven. On the left, Saint Peter unlocks the door to heaven, while the Good Thief (shown carrying a cross) greets the chosen and points toward the Virgin Mary on her throne.
Anastasis.
This fresco shows Christ descending into hell to save Adam and Eve. Below Christ's feet are the broken gates of hell, and Satan bound and powerless.
Walls of Theodosius
In the early 5th century, Theodosius II expanded the Constantinople Walls to encompass a greater area, creating the mightiest city wall anywhere in medieval Europe. The walls were fortified with 185 towers, each about 65 feet high, and it was virtually impenetrable for more than 1,000 years.
The Walls of Theodosius were actually two separate walls, an outer wall with a stronger inner ring, separated by a defensible no-man's land. These massive walls were breached only twice, during the 4th Crusade in 1204, and by the Ottomans in 1453.
To reach the top of the wall, climb the staircase set into the wall. Be extremely careful, the stairs are steep and narrow, and there no railings.
The Walls of Theodosius stretch for 3.5 miles north to south, from the shores of the Golden Horn up the hill to the Edirnekapı District, and then downhill to the shorelines of the Sea of Marmara.
Slightly farther along the street is a tower that has a staircase with railings that leads up to a longer platform with a wider view.
Top Dog.
Nice to meet you, Mihrimah Sultan Mosque.
Sultans entered and left the city through a designated gate, while common folk had to pass through Edirnekapi District. Today, the physical gate is long gone, and Fevzi Pasa Street passes through the large opening in the wall.
Mihrimah Sultan Mosque
(Mihrimah Sultan Camii)
The Mihrimah Sultan Mosque was built from 1562 to 1565 for the favorite daughter of Suleiman the Magnificent, Princess Mihrimah.
The Ottoman mosque was designed by the famed architect, Mimar Sinan. A vast amount of surface area is covered by windows, making the mosque one of the brightest lit of any of his works.
The dome is 66 feet in diameter and 121 feet high.
Triple arcades supported by granite columns open with galleries above, each with three domed bays.
Little Hagia Sofia
(Küçük Aya Sofya Camii)
Little Hagia Sophia was built in 530 CE by Byzantine Emperor Justinian as a Greek Eastern Orthodox church dedicated to Saints Sergius and Bacchus. It was believed to be a small scale model of the Hagia Sophia since it's of the same architectural period, but this theory has been largely discredited.
After the Ottoman's conquest of Constantinople in 1453, the church was converted into a mosque by Hüseyin Ağa, the Chief Black Eunuch.
The interior is structured around four semicircular niches which form an irregular octagon shape. Columns were utilized on the ground floor and in the gallery, and the dome rests on eight brick pillars.
The dome has a diameter of 52 feet with 16 ribs surrounding it.
After a long period of abandonment and decay, the building was restored in 2008. As a result, the Ottoman style decorations no longer exist, and everything is virtually new.
Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum
The Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum is housed in the former Ibrahim Pasha Palace, one of Istanbul's great surviving Ottoman palaces.
The museum was the first museum established by the foundation ministry. The exhibit displays over 40,000 works between the 8th and 20th century, making it one of the most important museums of the world.
The Hippodrome was built between 330-337 CE. It was an important social center of the city, and witnessed a variety of entertainment events such as chariot races, gladiator fights, and dance performances.
Qur'an. Umayyad Period. North Africa. Late 12th or early 13th century.
After the death of the Muhammad in 632 CE, Islamic leaders created the position of caliph to serve as the religious and social leader of the Muslim community. The Umayyads (661-1031) were the first significant caliphate dynasty,
The Damascus Documents consists of thousands of pages of various documents and volumes of the Koran from the end of the 8th to 19th century.
This room contains the monumental gate of the mid 12th century Grand Mosque of Cizre. During the Middle Ages, this mosque was one of the most important monuments in Anatolia. Do you spot the dragon shaped handles?
Bowl. Ayyubid Period. 13th century.
Turquoise colored and brightly glazed ceramics made for daily use were important works during the Ayyubid Period (1171-1462).
Lion. Anatolia. 13th century.
Lock Fragments. Great Seljuk Period. 12th-13th century.
The Great Suljuk Empire (1040-1157) had the widest borders reigning in Afghanistan, Iran, East Anatolia, Iraq, Syria, and the Arabian Peninsula. Wealth and prosperity throughout the empire allowed all branches of artwork to flourish.
Animal Figures. Great Seljuk Period. 12th century.
Mosque Lamp. Mamluk Period. 14th century.
Qur'an. Safavid Period. 1580.
Many of the Safavid Shahs (1501-1722) supported artists and the arts. As a result, many of its cities became important art centers in areas such as literature, ceramics, and carpet.
Mirrors. Qajar Period. 19th century.
A striking characteristic of Qajar Art (1796-1925) is that portraits of dynastic families and army commanders were done in the European style. Additionally, small daily usage items like pencil cases, mirrors, and manuscripts were produced using a lacquer paint technique.
The Sacred Relics
The Sacred Relics include belongings owned by Mohammed, his family, and items of the Kaaba.
Footprint of Muhammad (Kademi-i Saadet).
Many of the literature states that after Muhammad took off his robe (djellaba) and shaved his beard, he distributed his beard among the Muslims.
Muhammad's relics were protected by the sultans, the sultan's wives, and elite figures of the palace. Today, the most genuine relics are house in Topkapı Palace.
Kaaba Belt. Ottoman Period. 19th century.
"His beautiful face smells like a rose when he sweats."
Carpets
These 13th to 18th century prayer rugs are considered the "richest carpet collection in the world". For centuries, upper class Europeans considered a Turkish rug the ultimate status symbol. If a person couldn't afford to buy an actual rug, they would pay an artist to paint one to hang on the wall.
The rare 13th century Selçuk carpets have stylized designs, almost to the point of abstraction, as the creators adapted floral and animal motifs into geometric forms.
Dolmabahçe Palace
Dolmabahçe Palace was an opulent 19th century European style home for the Ottoman sultans. It encompasses 11.1 acres, and contains 285 rooms, 46 halls, 6 baths, and 68 toilets. Come during mid-week since only 2000 visitors are allowed per day.
Garden
Taking a walk through the palace's well manicured garden.
Cock-a–doodle-doo.
Colorful peacocks.
Gang of wild turkeys.
Glass Pavilion
(Camli Kosk)
Photography was prohibited inside the pavilion, so images are courtesy of the internet.
The Glass Pavilion is one of the most important sections of the palace, and contains a gallery of virtually every known application of glass technology of the day.
Before entering, visitors are required to put plastic-bag wrappers (galoş) over their shoes to lessen damage to the palace floors.
The Glass Pavilion is a conservatory style room complete with a crystal fountain, and crystal Gaveau piano and chair.
Image courtesy of www.flickr.com
Selamlık Tour
Photography was prohibited on the tour, so images are courtesy of the internet.
Two parts of the palace are accessible only with a guided tour, the Selamlık and the Harem.
Crystal Staircase
The Crystal Staircase has a double horseshoe shape and is built of Baccarat crystal, brass and mahogany.
Photo courtesy of talesfromthetulls.blogspot.com
Ambassador's Hall
Süfera Salonu
This hall hosted formal receptions and meetings. It's opulently decorated with a 950 sq ft Iranian Tebriz carpet, bearskins (a gift from Nicholas II), an Egyptian silver clock, and lots of chandeliers.
Photo courtesy of wikipedia.org
Ceremonial Hall
(Muayede Salonu)
The Ceremonial Hall is 22,000 sq ft, and 118 feet high. It was built to host all state ceremonies and receptions, and could accommodate up to 2,500 people.
Photo courtesy of nagerbayhan.ch
The dome has a diameter of 80 feet.
Photo courtesy of http://verityy.blogspot.
Without a doubt, the star of the show is the 1853 English chandelier. It's the world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier, holding 664 bulbs and weighing in at 4.5 tons.
Photo courtesy of wha.com.tr
The Selamlık Tour exits to the ceremonial land gate; a door which royal processions entered the palace grounds.
New District
Taksim Square is the heart of Istanbul's New District. It's the central station of the Istanbul Metro network. Additionally, the square has been an important venue for many political protests.
This area marks the beginning of modern Istanbul's trendiest businesses and neighborhoods. Surprisingly, Burger King made the cut.
Republic Monument
(Cumhuriyet Anıtı)
This monument was unveiled in 1928, and commemorates the fifth anniversary of the founding of the Turkish Republic. When the government ran out of money to fund the monument, the people of Turkey reached into their own pockets to finish it.
The sculpture shows the two sides of Atatürk (modern Turkey's first president). On one side, he's wearing his military uniform, as the hero of the War of Independence.
On the other side, civilian Atatürk is surrounded by figures representing the proclamation of the Republic.
Istiklal Street
(İstiklal Caddesi
Istiklal Street is Istanbul's main pedestrian thoroughfare, and is lined with a mix of historic buildings and colorful shops.
Demirören İstiklal Shopping Center
Construction of this new, modern shopping mall caused a great deal of controversy, and was opposed by many neighborhood shop owners and residents.
The mall has five stories above ground and four floors below ground. Many of the balconies were accessible and had great overlooks of Istiklal Street.
There's a mix of big name international chains and Turkish stores. Time for a Krispy Kreme and Turkish style tea break.
If you love movies, don't forget to check out the luxurious 3-D cinema.
Alkazar Theatre
(Alkazar Sinemasi)
This theatre dates back to WWI, and it was one of the first movie theaters built in Istanbul. It was a gathering place for the aristocracy, but when cinema fell out of fashion in the 1970s and 1980s the only way it could pay the bills was to show erotic films. Ultimately, the theater closed down.
(Yeşilçam)
Yeşilçam ("Green Pine") was once the heart of the Turkish film and art industry. From 1950-1970, over 250 films were produced annually. However, increased production costs over the years brought about a decrease in the number of films made.
Gentleman's Social Club
(Cercle d'Orient Büyük Kulüp)
This building was designed in the 1880s by architect Alexander Vallaury for Abraham Paşa, a wealthy Armenian Catholic. It was used as a social club for top ranking Ottoman officials, officers, and foreign diplomats.
Otantik Anadolu Yemekleri
Gozleme is a a thin, flat bread with cheese, potatoes, or spinach folded over, and then baked. It was a delicious snack midway along our walk.
Galatasaray High School
The "Royal School" was established in 1481. It's the oldest, and one of the best schools in Turkey, with a primary school, a high school, and a university. It's visionary approach of having a secular curriculum once outraged the Catholic Pope, the Greek Orthodox Patriarch, and leading Muslim clerics.
This abstract monument celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Turkish Republic (1923-1973).
Church of St. Anthony of Padua
(Sant'Antonio di Padova Church)
St. Anthony of Padua is the largest church of the Roman Catholic Church in Istanbul. The original church was built in the 17th century by the Franciscans, but was later demolished and rebuilt from 1906-1912.
When Pope John XXIII was the Vatican's ambassador to Turkey, he preached in this church for 10 years. He was known as "The Turkish Pope" because of his fluent Turkish and his often expressed love for Turkey and the city of Istanbul.
The church was designed by architect Giulio Mongeri and built in the Venetian Neo-Gothic style. Today, it still serves an active Roman Catholic congregation with weekly Mass in Italian, Polish, English, and Turkish.
Nostalgia Tramway - Taksim-Tünel (T2 Line)
Istanbul once had a large tramway network on both the Asian and European sides. At its peak, there were 108 million passengers in 270 cars on 56 lines. Even though the tram service closed in the mid 1960s, visitors can still enjoy riding the two heritage tramways.
Russian Consulate
До свидания (dasvidania) Istanbul!
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