Day 11 of Turkey Vacation: Istanbul on August 29th, 2016

First day in Istanbul.
The plan of the day was to visit the major attractions of the city of Istanbul, that is, Hagia Sophia and Topkapı Palace and Sultan Ahmet Mosque (which was closed by the time we reached there).

We woke up in the morning with a wonderful but tiny view of Sea of Marmara through the rooftops of neighboring windows. I didn’t expect at all that our room would come with sea view.

Sea of Marmara from Hotel Window


Sea of Marmara from Hotel Window



The images in this post are hosted on Imgur. Email me should there be any display problems.

Shoe Factory Workers near Our Hotel


Shoe Factory Workers near Our Hotel


We found our hotel among some shoe factories, with the neighboring streets filled with vendors carry carts of leather shoes.

It was a 900-meter walk from our hotel to the major attractions, during which we enjoyed the colorful streets of Istanbul old city.

Buildings in Istanbul Old City


Buildings in Istanbul Old City


Buildings in Istanbul Old City


Buildings in Istanbul Old City


Streets in Istanbul Old City


Streets in Istanbul Old City

Hippodrome of Constantinople

Marmara University Republican Museum Entrance


Marmara University Republican Museum Entrance
We were off to some major attractions, and skipped it.


First we arrived at Hippodrome of Constantinople, which was a giant plaza with historic columns.

The Hippodrome of Constantinople (Greek: Ἱππόδρομος τῆς Κωνσταντινουπόλεως, Hippódromos tēs Kōnstantinoupóleōs) was a circus that was the sporting and social centre of Constantinople, capital of the Byzantine Empire.

Walled Obelisk


Walled Obelisk
In the 10th century the Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus built another obelisk at the other end of the Hippodrome. It was originally covered with gilded bronze plaques, but they were sacked by Latin troops in the Fourth Crusade. The stone core of this monument also survives, known as the Walled Obelisk.


Serpent Column


Serpent Column
The Tripod of Plataea, now known as the Serpent Column, cast to celebrate the victory of the Greeks over the Persians during the Persian Wars in the 5th century BC. Constantine ordered the Tripod to be moved from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi, and set in middle of the Hippodrome. The top was adorned with a golden bowl supported by three serpent heads, although it appears that this was never brought to Constantinople. The serpent heads and top third of the column were destroyed in 1700. All that remains of the Delphi Tripod today is the base, known as the “Serpentine Column”.


Obelisk of Theodosius


Obelisk of Theodosius
Theodosius the Great in 390 brought an obelisk from Egypt and erected it inside the racing track. Carved from pink granite, it was originally erected at the Temple of Karnak in Luxor during the reign of Thutmose III in about 1490 BC. Theodosius had the obelisk cut into three pieces and brought to Constantinople. The top section survives, and it stands today where Theodosius placed it, on a marble pedestal. The obelisk has survived nearly 3,500 years in astonishingly good condition.


Walled Obelisk before Marmara University Republican Museum


Walled Obelisk before Marmara University Republican Museum


German Fountain


German Fountain


Hagia Sophia from Sultanahmet Square Fountain


Hagia Sophia from Sultanahmet Square Fountain


Sultan Ahmet Mosque


Sultan Ahmet Mosque


Fountain in Sultanahmet Square


Fountain in Sultanahmet Square


Then, somehow, we wandered east into the tomb section of Hagia Sophia, which houses the tombs of the famous Sultans that once ruled this nation.
The tomb section is part of Hagia Sophia but opens to the public free of charge.

Tomb Session of Hagia Sophia

Here I used the descriptions of the official information board in the tomb section.

Tomb of Sultan Selim II


Tomb of Sultan Selim II
The first burial construction in the graveyard of Hagia Sophia made by architect Sinan in 1577.


Tomb of Sultan Selim II Dome


Tomb of Sultan Selim II Dome


Entrance to Tomb of Sultan Selim II


Entrance to Tomb of Sultan Selim II
The most decorated exterior in the tombs.


Tomb of Sultan Murad III


Tomb of Sultan Murad III
The construction of the building initiated by architect Davud Agha but competed by chief architect Ahmed Agha in 1599. Although it appeared quite plain from the outside, its interior was decorated with the most beautiful samples of 16th century coral-red Iznik tiles.


Tomb of Sultan Murad III Dome


Tomb of Sultan Murad III Dome


Tomb of Princes


Tomb of Princes
The architect and the building date of the tomb are believed to be Chief Architect Sinan and the end of the 16th Century. There are simple pen-work decorations on the inside of the tomb. Four princes and a daughter of Sultan Murad III were buried here.


Dome of Tomb of Princes


Dome of Tomb of Princes


Former Baptistery Building in Hagia Sophia and Tomb of Sultan Mustafa I and Sultan Ibrahim


Former Baptistery Building in Hagia Sophia and Tomb of Sultan Mustafa I and Sultan Ibrahim
The Baptistery was thought to be older than Hagia Sophia itself.


Dome Decorations in Former Baptistery Building in Hagia Sophia and Tomb of Sultan Mustafa I and Sultan Ibrahim


Dome Decorations in Former Baptistery Building in Hagia Sophia and Tomb of Sultan Mustafa I and Sultan Ibrahim


Lateral Spaces in Tomb of Sultan Mehmed III


Lateral Spaces in Tomb of Sultan Mehmed III


Tomb of Sultan Mehmed III


Tomb of Sultan Mehmed III
The building was constructed by the architect Ahmed Agha in 1608. Its interior was decorated with 17th century Iznik Tiles.


Tomb of Sultan Mehmed III


Tomb of Sultan Mehmed III
I think the nets in the room point to the direction of Mecca.


Islamic Symbols on Tomb of Sultan Mehmed III


Islamic Symbols on Tomb of Sultan Mehmed III


To summarize the tomb section, husband’s coffins were always bigger and better decorated (with a hat above) than wives’ coffins.

After that, we were at the gate of Topkapı Palace.

Dog Resting outside Topkapı Palace


Dog Resting outside Topkapı Palace
It seemed that the Turkish Authorities even bothered to tag these homeless dogs.


Spire of Hagia Sophia


Spire of Hagia Sophia


Sultan Ahmet Fountain


Sultan Ahmet Fountain


Sultan Ahmet Fountain


Sultan Ahmet Fountain
Above the drinking fountains and niches on each façade and sebil are large calligraphic plates bordered with blue and red tiles. Each plate bears stanzas of a 14-line poem dedicated to water and its donor by Seyyid Hüseyin Vehbi bin Ahmed, the chief judge of Halep and Kayseri. It is read clockwise around the fountain, beginning at the northern sebil. The last stanza of the poem the northwest façade is a chronogram composed by Ahmed III.


There were four courtyards of Topkapı Palace, the first courtyard opened freely to the public while the other three were ticketed areas. While at the first courtyard, we visited Hagia Irene first (with our museum passes) before heading into inner Topkapı Palace.

Imperial Gate into First Courtyard of Topkapı Palace


Imperial Gate into First Courtyard of Topkapı Palace

Hagia Irene

Hagia Irene (Peace) is one of the three shrines which the Emperor devoted to God’s attributes, together with Hagia Sophia (Wisdom) and Hagia Dynamis (Power). I didn’t find Hagia Dynamis on Google Maps, but obviously Hagia Irene was much less in size and magnificence than the famous Hagia Sophia. Today, the Hagia Irene serves mainly as a concert hall for classical music performances, due to its extraordinary acoustic characteristics and impressive atmosphere.

Hagia Irene Exterior


Hagia Irene Exterior


Hagia Irene Exterior


Hagia Irene Exterior


Trees in First Courtyard of Topkapı Palace


Trees in First Courtyard of Topkapı Palace


Hagia Irene Interior


Hagia Irene Interior

Since Hagia Irene charged entrance fees, there were few visitors in it. So when I first step into its inner court, there was a feeling that I was back in the under-saturated darkish scenes in Assassin’s Creed Revelations.

Sadly, there were a few things stopping me from going further into fantasy, that the stairs up in Hagia Irene were all blocked, and there was this safety-net spanning the entire hall blocking what could otherwise be a wonderful view inside an ancient shadowy church.

Dome


Dome
Through a not-so-clean net though.


Apse of Church with Cross


Apse of Church with Cross


Hagia Irene Interior


Hagia Irene Interior


Back Yard


Back Yard


Stairs up


Stairs up
Off visitor limits though.


Remains of Fresco in Hagia Irene


Remains of Fresco in Hagia Irene


Passage


Passage

After that we entered (second courtyard of) Topkapı Palace.

Topkapı Palace

Tree Grown out of Another Tree


Tree Grown out of Another Tree


Canopied Throne


Canopied Throne


Eaves of Audience Chamber


Eaves of Audience Chamber


Trees in Third Courtyard of Topkapı Palace


Trees in Third Courtyard of Topkapı Palace


Eaves of Audience Chamber and Plants


Eaves of Audience Chamber and Plants


Enderûn Library Exterior


Enderûn Library Exterior


Enderûn Library with Its Fountain


Enderûn Library with Its Fountain


Privy Chamber


Privy Chamber

Most buildings in the third courtyard were converted into museums with exhibits. Among the exhibits were Islamic art, treasures of the kingdom (like the beard of Prophet Abraham, If I remembered correctly), keys to the holy city of Mecca. I didn’t take any photos, which meant photography mustn’t be allowed for those exhibits.
After that we entered the fourth courtyard, with some nice views of the Bosphorus Strait.

Bosphorus from Topkapi Palace


Bosphorus from Topkapi Palace


Bosphorus


Bosphorus


Wardrobe Chambers


Wardrobe Chambers


Grand Kiosk Exterior


Grand Kiosk Exterior


Passage to Gülhane Gate


Passage to Gülhane Gate


Sofa Kiosk


Sofa Kiosk


Pool in Topkapı Palace


Pool in Topkapı Palace


Lotus Pool


Lotus Pool


Baghdad Kiosk


Baghdad Kiosk


Sofa Kiosk


Sofa Kiosk


Sofa Kiosk Interior


Sofa Kiosk Interior
Where Sultans would watch sporting events performed by the pages of the Enderûn, hold talks and meetings.


Sofa Kiosk Ceilings


Sofa Kiosk Ceilings
Where Sultans would watch sporting events performed by the pages of the Enderûn, hold talks and meetings.


Sofa Kiosk Exterior


Sofa Kiosk Exterior


Fountain


Fountain


Hexagonal Windows of Privy Chamber


Hexagonal Windows of Privy Chamber


Pool and Fountain Fourth Courtyard


Pool and Fountain in Fourth Courtyard

Baghdad Kiosk

Built to commemorate the Baghdad Campaign of Murad IV after 1638.

Windows of Baghdad Kiosk


Windows of Baghdad Kiosk


Baghdad Kiosk Ceilings


Baghdad Kiosk Ceilings


Windows of Baghdad Kiosk


Windows of Baghdad Kiosk


Galata Tower across Golden Horn


Galata Tower across Golden Horn

Circumcision Room

In 1640 Sultan Ibrahim I added the Circumcision Room (Sünnet Odası), a summer kiosk (Yazlik Oda) dedicated to the circumcision of young princes. Its interior and exterior are decorated with a mixed collection of rare recycled tiles such as the blue tiles with flower motifs at the exterior. The most important of these are the blue and white tile panels influenced by far-eastern ceramics on the chamber facade, dated 1529.

Silverware in Circumcision Room


Silverware in Circumcision Room


Circumcision Room Ceilings


Circumcision Room Ceilings


Windows of Circumcision Room


Windows of Circumcision Room


Golden Horn from Topkapı Palace


Golden Horn from Topkapı Palace


Eaves of Baghdad Kiosk


Eaves of Baghdad Kiosk


İftar Kiosk before Galata Tower


İftar Kiosk before Galata Tower
I went a little bit creative in processing this photo.


Gate of Felicity


Gate of Felicity


Target Column in Honor of Selim III


Target Column in Honor of Selim III
To commemorate the Sultan of shooting a jug at 898 meters away.

Imperial Council

The Imperial Council (Dîvân-ı Hümâyûn) building is the chamber where the Imperial Council—consisting of the Grand Vizier (Vazīr-e Azam) and other council ministers (Dîvân Heyeti)—held meetings.

Grilled Windows of Imperial Council


Grilled Windows of Imperial Council


Decorations in Imperial Council


Decorations in Imperial Council


Dome of Imperial Council


Dome of Imperial Council


Seats in Imperial Council


Seats in Imperial Council


Porch outside Imperial Council


Porch outside Imperial Council

There were more exhibits of royal arms in the second courtyard, which we briefly visited before entering the Harem.
The Harem required a separate ticket than Topkapı Palace, but was also covered by our museum passes.
The tour of Harem actually began with Dormitories of the Halberdiers with Tresses, which was housing quarters for the guards of the Palace, and after that it was Harem itself.

Dormitories of the Halberdiers with Tresses

The halberdiers wore long tresses to signify their higher position.

Dormitories of the Halberdiers with Tresses


Dormitories of the Halberdiers with Tresses
One giant bed where they slept next to each other.


Well, such sleeping arrangement did bring back my kindergarten memories. For adults, at least I was expecting bunk beds.
Mosque


Mosque
If I remembered correctly.


Pipe Rooms


Pipe Rooms
There were recreations of officials making and enjoying pipes. I was surprised to find that there used to be officials specifically charged with making pipes.


Bath


Bath “Lockers”


Bath


Bath


Dome of Bath


Dome of Bath
Decorated with star-shaped openings.


Bath


Bath


After that we entered the proper Harem.
Hall of the Ablution Fountain


Hall of the Ablution Fountain


Decorations of Tiles in Karaağalar Mosque


Decorations of Tiles in Karaağalar Mosque
This one depicts some Islamic holy city, if I remembered correctly.


Decorations of Tiles in Karaağalar Mosque


Decorations of Tiles in Karaağalar Mosque
This one depicts the holy city of Mecca.


Decorations of Tiles in Karaağalar Mosque


Decorations of Tiles in Karaağalar Mosque
This one depicts the Islamic afterlife, if I remembered correctly.


Decorations along Harem Passage


Decorations along Harem Passage


Apartments of the Queen Mother Dome


Apartments of the Queen Mother Dome


Paintings in Apartments of the Queen Mother


Paintings in Apartments of the Queen Mother


Couch for Queen Mother


Couch for Queen Mother

Imperial Hall

The Imperial Hall (Hünkâr Sofası), also known as the Imperial Sofa, Throne Room Within or Hall of Diversions, is a domed hall in the Harem, believed to have been built in the late 16th century. It has the largest dome in the palace. The hall served as the official reception hall of the sultan as well as for the entertainment of the Harem. Here the sultan received his confidants, guests, his mother, his first wife (Hasseki), consorts, and his children. Entertainments, paying of homage during religious festivals, and wedding ceremonies took place here in the presence of the members of the dynasty.

Throne in Imperial Hall


Throne in Imperial Hall


Imperial Hall


Imperial Hall


Windows in Imperial Hall


Windows in Imperial Hall


Queen Mother's Observation Room of Imperial Hall


Queen Mother’s Observation Room of Imperial Hall


I guess Islamic doctrines didn’t like having women in somewhere as solemn as the Imperial Hall, so the Queen Mother would observe the activities in Imperial Hall at this little room right next to it. This could be especially significant in certain periods of time when the Sultans were just teenagers and the kingdom’s actually ran by their mothers.
Dome and Chandelier


Dome and Chandelier


Columns


Columns


Throne and Chandelier


Throne and Chandelier


Chandelier and Windows


Chandelier and Windows


Dome


Dome

Privy Chamber of Murat III

The Privy Chamber of Murat III (III. Murad Has Odası) is the oldest and finest surviving room in the harem with the second largest dome, having retained its original interior. It was a design of the master architect Sinan and dates from the 16th century.

Dome


Dome


Windows


Windows


Furnace


Furnace

Twin Kiosk

The Twin Kiosk / Apartments of the Crown Prince (Çifte Kasırlar / Veliahd Dairesi) consists of two privy chambers built in the 17th century, at different times. The building is connected to the palace and consists of only one storey built on an elevated platform to give a better view from inside and shield views from the outside.
The interior consists of two large rooms, dating from the reign of Sultan Murat III, but are more probably from the reign of Ahmed I. The ceiling is not flat but conical in the kiosk style, evoking the traditional tents of the early Ottomans. As in tents, there is no standing furniture but sofas set on the carpeted floor on the side of the walls for seating.
The crown prince (Şehzadeler) lived here in seclusion; therefore, the apartments were also called kafes (cage). The crown prince and other princes were trained in the discipline of the Ottoman Harem until they reached adulthood. Afterwards, they were sent as governors to Anatolian provinces, where they were further trained in the administration of state affairs.

Windows


Windows


Ceilings


Ceilings


Windows


Windows


Courtyard of the Favourites


Courtyard of the Favourites
The favourites of the sultan (Gözdeler / İkballer) were conceived as the instruments of the perpetuation of the dynasty in the harem organisation. When the favourites became pregnant they assumed the title and powers of the official consort (Kadınefendi) of the sultan.


Pool Overlooked by Courtyard of the Favourites


Pool Overlooked by Courtyard of the Favourites


It seemed that all the pools in the Palace were waterless after being converted to a museum. Guess it must be quite expensive to maintain the pools.
Rooms above Courtyard of the Favourites


Rooms above Courtyard of the Favourites


Women's Mosque in Harem


Women’s Mosque in Harem
Much less decorated than the other men’s rooms in the Harem.


Women's Mosque in Harem


Women’s Mosque in Harem
Much less decorated than the other men’s rooms in the Harem.

After that, we visited the kitchen sections of Topkapı Palace, which housed dinning equipment that were mostly diplomatic gifts from foreign nations.

Perimeter Passage with Columns in Topkapı Palace


Perimeter Passage with Columns in Topkapı Palace


Passage in Palace Kitchens


Passage in Palace Kitchens


Tower of Justice


Tower of Justice
Highest structure in the Palace.


Stone Relief in Topkapı Palace


Stone Relief in Topkapı Palace


Ceiling Decorations by Gate of Salutation


Ceiling Decorations by Gate of Salutation


Gate of Salutation into Second Courtyard of Topkapı Palace


Gate of Salutation into Second Courtyard of Topkapı Palace


Hagia Irene Exterior


Hagia Irene Exterior

Having visited Topkapı Palace, our next stop was Sultan Ahmet Mosque. Unfortunately, it was prayer hour, so we went to Hagia Sophia instead.

Hagia Sophia

Exterior Walls of Hagia Sophia


Exterior Walls of Hagia Sophia


Remnants of the Theodosian Hagia Sophia


Remnants of the Theodosian Hagia Sophia
The church built by the Emperor Theodosios II on a basilica plan covered by a wooden-roof was opened for worship in 415. It was destroyed by fire during the Nike Revolt against the Emperor Justinian. A Lamb Relief, which represents the Twelve Apostles of Christ and decorates the monumental entrance of the building and other remnants, was discovered in 1935.

During our visit, half of Hagia Sophia was under renovation.
Perhaps it’s due to the amount of visitors, perhaps it’s the scaffolding, or perhaps it’s just the interior being brightly illuminated as we approached dusk, I didn’t have as much of an Assassin’s Creed feeling in Hagia Sophia than in Hagia Irene.
So during the next hour or so I was frantically digging for that feeling. Perhaps that explained why I took so many photos of the chandeliers that I wished I could fly between stand on.

Apse


Apse


Plate with Islamic Symbols next to Apse Mosaic of Virgin and Child


Plate with Islamic Symbols next to Apse Mosaic of Virgin and Child


Pulpit before Islamic Symbol Plate


Pulpit before Islamic Symbol Plate


Inner Hall


Inner Hall


Inner Hall


Inner Hall


Line of Chandelier of Hagia Sofia


Line of Chandelier of Hagia Sofia


Chandelies


Chandelies


Reading Room through Grills


Reading Room through Grills


Chandelies


Chandelies


Chandelies and Columns and Islamic Plates


Chandelies and Columns and Islamic Plates


Chandelies and Islamic Plates


Chandelies and Islamic Plates


Chandeliers before Islamic Symbols Plate and Mosaic of Virgin and Child


Chandeliers before Islamic Symbols Plate and Mosaic of Virgin and Child


Chandelier in Hagia Sophia Corridor


Chandelier in Hagia Sophia Corridor


Chandelier in Hagia Sophia Stair Passage


Chandelier in Hagia Sophia Stair Passage


Slopes up to Second Floor


Slopes up to Second Floor


Light Shining through Windows of Hagia Sophia


Light Shining through Windows of Hagia Sophia


Lights by Column


Lights by Column


Columns and Islamic Symbol Plates


Columns and Islamic Symbol Plates


Chandelier Posts Extending from Second Floor


Chandelier Posts Extending from Second Floor
As I recalled walking on them for numerous times in Assassin’s Creed.


Fresco in Hagia Sophia Reflecting External Sunlight


Fresco in Hagia Sophia Reflecting External Sunlight


Hexapterygon on Pendentive


Hexapterygon on Pendentive


Deësis Mosaic of Christ, Virgin Mary and John the Baptist


Deësis Mosaic of Christ, Virgin Mary and John the Baptist


Decorations of Pendentive and Columns


Decorations of Pendentive and Columns


Comnenus Mosaic


Comnenus Mosaic
Of Emperor John II Comnenus and Empress Irene as donors on the sides of Virgin Mary.


Empress Zoe Mosaic


Empress Zoe Mosaic
Of Constantine IX Monomachus and Empress Zoe as donors on the sides of Christ.


So to conclude the Mosaic’s on the second floor, Emperor X and his wife Y donated money to the church, so they got to stand on the sides of Christian saints and be memorialized.
Sun Shining through Windows of Hagia Sofia


Sun Shining through Windows of Hagia Sofia


Sultan Ahmet Mosque from Hagia Sophia Window


Sultan Ahmet Mosque from Hagia Sophia Window


Columns and Chandeliers behind Side Apse


Columns and Chandeliers behind Side Apse


Islamic Symbol Plates


Islamic Symbol Plates


Islamic Symbol Plates and Windows and Columns


Islamic Symbol Plates and Windows and Columns


Dome and Semi-Dome


Dome and Semi-Dome


Chandeliers in Side Passage


Chandeliers in Side Passage


Columns at Hagia Sophia


Columns at Hagia Sophia


Chandeliers in Passage


Chandeliers in Passage


Chandeliers in Passage


Chandeliers in Passage


Southwestern Entrance Mosaic


Southwestern Entrance Mosaic
Emperor Constantine presenting a model of the city to Mary, and Emperor Justinian I, offering a model of the Hagia Sophia.


Baptist Tank


Baptist Tank


Open-Air Area by Baptist


Open-Air Area by Baptist


Wudu Area for Hagia Sophia as Mosque


Wudu Area for Hagia Sophia as Mosque


Ablution Fountain


Ablution Fountain

Having left Hagia Sophia, we walked towards Galata Bridge, much like how the locals would spend their dinner times.

Trams in Istanbul


Trams in Istanbul


Garbage Bin Being Replaced in Istanbul Downtown


Garbage Bin Being Replaced in Istanbul Downtown
I was quite surprised as the modest garbage bins I usually saw were just tip of the iceberg.


Minarets of Sultan Ahmet Mosque


Minarets of Sultan Ahmet Mosque


Streets of Istanbul

Streets of Istanbul
Streets of Istanbul

Sunset over Galata Bridge

Galata Bridge and Galata Tower


Galata Bridge and Galata Tower


Sunset from Golden Horn


Sunset from Golden Horn


Sunset from Golden Horn


Sunset from Golden Horn


Galata Bridge and Galata Tower


Galata Bridge and Galata Tower


Gull Flying over Golden Horn


Gull Flying over Golden Horn


Ships in Golden Horn


Ships in Golden Horn


Ships in Golden Horn


Ships in Golden Horn


Gulls Flying above Yeni Mosque


Gulls Flying above Yeni Mosque


People Fishing on Galata Bridge


People Fishing on Galata Bridge
With Galata Tower among the background.


Gulls Flying over Eminönü Harbor


Gulls Flying over Eminönü Harbor

I remembered the award winning photos of boy jumping from Galata Bridge, and it seemed that every Turkish teenager boy was born-divers. By the time we reached Galata Bridge, we happened to be bumping into two diving boys.

Local Boy Diving at Galata Bridge


Local Boy Diving at Galata Bridge


Local Boy Diving at Galata Bridge


Local Boy Diving at Galata Bridge


Local Boy Diving at Galata Bridge


Local Boy Diving at Galata Bridge

Apart from the divers, Galata Bridge was lined with mid-aged men fishing (and selling their catch).

People Fishing on Galata Bridge


People Fishing on Galata Bridge
With Galata Tower among the background.


Ships at Eminönü against Sunset


Ships at Eminönü against Sunset


Gulls Flying over Golden Horn


Gulls Flying over Golden Horn


West Istanbul in Sunset


West Istanbul in Sunset


West Istanbul in Sunset


West Istanbul in Sunset


Topkapı Palace from Galata Bridge


Topkapı Palace from Galata Bridge

By the time we reached Galata Bridge, the sun had already set behind the hills of West Istanbul, all we could see was its remaining glows setting the clouds in fiery colors.

Gulls Flying in Sunset over Golden Horn


Gulls Flying in Sunset over Golden Horn


Ships at Eminönü Harbor against Sunset Glow


Ships at Eminönü Harbor against Sunset Glow


West Istanbul in Sunset


West Istanbul in Sunset


Ships at Eminönü Harbor before Süleymaniye Mosque


Ships at Eminönü Harbor before Süleymaniye Mosque


West Istanbul in Sunset


West Istanbul in Sunset


Tour Boat Passing beneath Galata Bridge


Tour Boat Passing beneath Galata Bridge


Golden Horn Metro Bridge Under Sunset


Golden Horn Metro Bridge Under Sunset


Süleymaniye Mosque under Sunset


Süleymaniye Mosque under Sunset

Something else amazing was that, the airspace near Galata Bridge seemed to be swamped with gulls flying that’s unrivaled even to the bird pavilion in a zoo. There were gulls anywhere, on rooftops, on docks, on ships and in the air. China’s National Security Agency would declare a curfew should such gatherings of birds take place in China.

Gull Flying near Galata Bridge


Gull Flying near Galata Bridge


Gulls near Galata Bridge


Gulls near Galata Bridge
Never before did I see the sky so swamped with gulls.

After that, we roamed for 10 more minutes being taking the tram back to our hotel, and called it a day.

Traffic through Galata Bridge


Traffic through Galata Bridge


Tram Passing Kemeraltı Street


Tram Passing Kemeraltı Street


Kemeraltı Street at Night


Kemeraltı Street at Night


Plane Contour on the Ground


Plane Contour on the Ground
Not so often to see street art on the ground.


Istanbul Tram Tophane Station


Istanbul Tram Tophane Station


Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque at Night


Kılıç Ali Paşa Mosque at Night


Traffic near Tophane Tram Station


Traffic near Tophane Tram Station


Istanbul Tram Entering Tophane Station

Istanbul Tram Entering Tophane Station
Istanbul Tram Entering Tophane Station


END

CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 Day 11 of Turkey Vacation: Istanbul on August 29th, 2016 by Huang's Site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.

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