Have you heard of the Blue Mosque, also known as the Sultan-Ahmet
Camii? According to Istanbultourstudio.com - the Blue Mosque was built between
1609 and 1616, by the architect Mehmet Aga. It was designed as an imperial show
of strength to complement the imposing Hagia Sophia Mosque across the square.
It is named the Blue Mosque because of over 20,000 handmade-ceramic Iznik tiles
that decorate the interior. It has six minarets.
The courtyard was unique and there was a kitty . . .
The inside of the Blue Mosque was beautiful. There are 260 windows!
Below is the Obelisk of Theodosius (made of red marble) and
it was first erected during the 18th dynasty of Egypt. It was re-erected in
Istanbul in the 4th Century A.D. Each of the four faces has a column of
inscription, celebrating Thutmose III's victory over the Mitanni which took
place on the banks of the Euphrates in about 1450 BC.
Below is the Serpent Column erected in the 4th Century AD.
It is an ancient bronze column and is part of an ancient Greek sacrificial
tripod, originally in Delphi and relocated to Constantinople (Istanbul) by
Constantine the Great in 324. It was built to commemorate the Greeks who fought
and defeated the Persian Empire at the Battle of Plataea (479 BC). The serpent
heads (no longer there) remained intact until the end of the 17th century.
The Hurrem Sultan fountain sits nears the Hurrem Sultan
Bathhouse. Who is Hurrem Sultan? She was also known as Roxelana. She became one
of the most powerful and influential women in Ottoman history. She entered the
Imperal Haren where her name was changed; she rose through the ranks and became
the favorite concubine of Sultan Suleiman. He actually married her!
So did you know that Istanbul is the hair transplant capital of the world? There are supposedly 5,000 clinics seeing patients from around the world. I didn't take any photos, but my seat mates head was quite bloody. There is actually a phrase used -- medical tourism! Who knew? I didn't!!
There is so much more to do and see in Istanbul. I would go there again!!
It does look like an inspirational place. So beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI loved all your photos - thanks so much for sharing!
ReplyDeleteDonna: Click for my 2025 A-Z Blog
I had heard of the Blue Mosque. It looks quite beautiful and light filled.
ReplyDeleteUgh to the bloody head!
I have never heard of the blue mosque but it is certainly a site to behold! Thanks for sharing it with us!! A good "I" post!!
ReplyDeleteI love, love, love Istanbul! Such a fascinating blend of east and west, and of course they love cats which adds to its appeal for me. I didn’t know about the hair transplants though I knew about medical tourism in other places.
ReplyDelete