Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Blue Mosque - Istanbul / TURKEY

Blue Mosque - Istanbul / TURKEY
Blue Mosque - Istanbul / TURKEY
Like all mosques in Turkey, Sultanahmet is free to the public. As it’s still used as a place of worship, the mosque is closed to tourists during prayer times, which happen five times everyday for 90 minutes. These times change daily, according to the movement of the sun. This can make timing a visit a little tricky. However, the daily prayer times are prominently displayed both outside the mosque and inside the courtyard on digital screens.

Notes:
At midday, the lines to enter the mosque can be quite long, but they move quickly.
Before entering the mosque, women must cover their heads, shoulders, and legs.
Men must cover their legs.

If needed, robes and headscarves are provided.

Blue Mosque Hotels - Istanbul Hotels

Hagia Sophia - Istanbul / TURKEY

Hagia Sophia - Istanbul / TURKEY
Hagia Sophia - Istanbul / TURKEY

The left side of the ground floor features various exhibitions pertaining to the museum's history, which change periodically throughout the year. To the left of the main entrance, climb the winding ramps to the upper gallery.

Watch your step, as the stones are quite uneven and slick from the museum's unyielding foot traffic.

To the right, there’s a wide corridor bathed in daylight. From here, the empress and the court-ladies would watch the proceedings down below. A round, green stone marks the spot where the throne of the empress stood. Here, visitors can get a better look at the worn, but beautiful ceiling. This is the best spot for photographing Hagia Sophia’s interior and for watching other tourists milling about the ground floor.
On the left side of the upper gallery, there are enlarged photos that give visitors a better look at some of Hagia Sophia’s most dazzling details. It’s definitely worth it to take a few minutes to examine and appreciate these pictures.

Tips:
The queue for Hagia Sophia can be quite long, so get there early or invest in a Museum Pass beforehand.
Admission: 30 TL
Free with 3-Day or 5-Day Museum Pass Hours:
Summer Schedule- 15 April -1 October Visiting Hours: 09.00 - 19.00 Hours of Ticket Sale: 18:00
Winter Schedule- 1 October 15 April Visiting Hours: 09:00- 17:00 Hours of Ticket Sale: 16:00


Ayasofya Hagia Sophia Hotels - Istanbul

Beylerbeyi Palace – Istanbul

Beylerbeyi Palace – Istanbul
Beylerbeyi Palace – Istanbul
Throughout the reigns of Sultan Abdulaziz and Abdülhamid II, a myriad of European sovereigns and dignitaries visited Beylerbeyi Palace. Later, during the reign of Abdülhamid II, the palace became a private museum, along with Dolmabahçe Palace and the Imperial Treasury of Topkapi Palace. Guests for these museums could only visit with special permission from the Sultan.

After Abdülhamid  dethronement, exile, and return to Istanbul, he was given a compulsory residence back at Beylerbeyi Palace. He lived there for six years, until his death in 1918. During the early years of the Turkish Republic, foreign guests continued to be entertained at Beylerbeyi Palace along with the country’s first prime minister, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk.

Outside the palace, visitors will find a cafe with indoor and outdoor seating. The well kept garden, statues, trees, and outside tables surround a fountain that is home to a plethora of lily pads and a pair of busy ducks.

Hours:
Daily 09:00 - 17:00
Mondays and Thursdays Closed
Admission: 20 TL
Notes:
The interior of the palace can only be visited by a guided tour that takes betwen 20-30 minutes.
There are tours in English and Turkish regularly throughout the day.

Friday, December 12, 2014

Istanbul Archaeological Museums - Istanbul / Turkey

Istanbul Archaeological Museums - Istanbul / Turkey
Istanbul Archaeological Museums - Istanbul / Turkey
You’ll find the sarcophagus in a cool and dimly lit room on the ground floor. The Sarcophagus is protected by a bullet­proof glass case, a steel chain, and a quiet guard, ready to tut at those who forgot to turn off their camera’s flash. Even so, visitors can get close enough to truly appreciate this masterpiece. Lights are positioned to enhance the stunning and intricate detailing and cast dramatic shadows over the violent scenes that adorn the sarcophagus’ four sides, chiseled over 2,400 years ago Istanbul Archaeological Museums.

But the Alexander Sarcophagus isn’t the only thing worth seeing in the museum. Be sure to get a close look at the 2500- year-old mummy of King Tabnit of Sidon. After all this time, he’s missing a few teeth, but he’s still got a nice tuft of hair.

With a few exceptions, all of the items on the ground floor are openly displayed and allow viewers to get extremely close. There’s a noteworthy collection of tombstones carefully inscribed with fines or curses to discourage grave robbers.

Dolmabahce Palace - Istanbul / Turkey

Dolmabahce Palace - Istanbul / Turkey
Dolmabahce Palace - Istanbul / Turkey
The world's largest Bohemian crystal chandelier is in the marvelous Ceremonial Flail (used for receptions, political meetings, and balls). The chandelier, a gift from Queen Victoria, has 750 lamps and weighs 6.5 tons. This enormous centerpiece hangs from a 36 meter dome. Also featured are 150-year-old bearskin rugs, which were presented to the Sultan as a gift by the Tsar of Russia.
The Flarem-Cariyeler served as the private quarters of the Sultan and his family. It’s connected to the rest of the palace by corridor. The Flarem is comprised of several bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways, which housed the Sultan’s mother, wives, and concubines.

After passing through the fantastic and formidable Gate of the Sultan and a second gate, you’ll find yourself in the main garden. Flowers, magnolia and pine trees, lush grass, and lion statues surround the swan fountain. There’s also an impressive view of the Bosphorus to your right.

All tours for the palace and the Flarem are guided and take place regularly throughout the day. The staff is very strict about the no camera and no video rule, so photograph at your own risk. Once the tour begins, you’ll be grouped with up to 50 people. Despite the size of the group, the guides speak loud enough for everyone to hear. Soon afteryourtour begins, you’ll understand why it is relatively brief and photography is forbidden. If visitors had free range and an entire day, it would be impossible to make them leave.

When you exit the palace and return your plastic coverings, you’ll be greeted with a beautiful view of the Bosphorus. This is a nice place to take pictures, rest on the steps, and grab a drink from a small stand near the exit. There’s also a small cafe near the entrance to the Flarem where you can wait foryour next tourto start.

Sunday, November 23, 2014

New Mosque - Istanbul / Turkey


New Mosque - Istanbul
New Mosque - Istanbul
The New Mosque (Turkish: Yeni Camii) is located in the Fatih district, in the Eminönü neighborhood and is conveniently located next to the Spice Bazaar. Don’t be fooled by the name. The New Mosque wasn’t completed until the mid-17th century. Commissioned by Safiye Sultan, the mosque was built between 1597-1665.

The sixty-eight year construction was due to the controversy surrounding the mosque. At the time, a predominantly Jewish population inhabited the Eminönü neighbourhood. Safiye Sultan hoped that by placing the mosque there it would expand the Islamic influence within the city. The increasing political power of the Valide Sultan and the enormous expenses needed to erect the New Mosque caused much discontent amongst the Janissaries and Safiye Sultan was forced to abandon the project.

The incomplete structure fell into ruins and was largely destroyed by a fire in 1660. In that same year, Valide Turhan Hadice decided to complete the project as a work of piety. Construction was finally completed in 1663 and the mosque was opened in 1665.

The exterior of the mosque is comprised of sixty-six domes in a pyramidal design and two minarets. The main dome is 36 metres in height. Along the South wall of the mosque there are water taps for those wishing to perform ritual purifications.

New Mosque - Istanbul
New Mosque - Istanbul
The main entrance to the mosque’s courtyard is on its West side. Avian enthusiasts might enjoy feeding the countless pigeons flying and milling about the steps leading to the mosque’s courtyard. Men and women in covered chairs sell bird feed, which is the pigeons’ incentive to stick around.

On a nice day, sit on the stairs outside the courtyard, but know that you run the risk of being the recipient of pigeon droppings. From the steps, you can watch other tourists, Turks, and hawkers mill about. You’ll find the usual snack vendors, plus a few selling flags, light-up toys, and other trinkets. There’s also a nice view of Galata Tower to the North.

The inner courtyard is similar to the Blue Mosque’s, but smaller. The perimeter consists of 26 painted domes, with elegant red and white designs. There is a charming sadirvan in the centre where men may cleanse themselves before entering the mosque.

In its calm atmosphere, visitors will be able to sit and appreciate the stunning interior without feeling rushed. Beautiful stained glass windows let light flood into the mosque. Innumerable İznik tiles that depict stars, suns, flowers, and every imaginable shape adorn the New Mosque’s walls, domes, arches, and pillars. The countless patterns in red, blue, green, and white unify to create a cohesive masterpiece.

The central dome rises 36 metres from the floor and has a diameter of 17.5 metres. On the corners where the pillars meet the dome are four elaborate calligraphic plates with the names of the first four khalifahs.

Tips:

  • Women must cover their hair and shoulders and both men and women must cover their bare legs.

Bayezid II Mosque

The Bayezid Mosque Istanbul - Turkey
The Bayezid Mosque
The Bayezid Mosque was commissioned by its namesake, Sultan Bayezid II. It was the second imperial mosque complex to be built after the conquest in 1453. (The first was the Fatih Mosque and Complex.) Little is known about the architect, but the mosque’s polished style mimics earlier Ottoman as well as western architectural techniques. The surrounding complex dates from 1501 to 1506. Imperial architect, Mimar Sinan, made repairs in 1573-1574.

The Bayezid Mosque Istanbul - Turkey
The Bayezid Mosque
The mosque itself is about 40 meters square and the dome is 17 meters in diameter. The structure is built entirely from cut stone and marble brought from nearby Byzantine ruins. The tombs of Sultan Bayezid II, his daughter Selçuk Hatun, and Grand Vizier Koca Mustafa Resid Pasha can be found in a small garden behind the mosque.


Notes:

  • Before entering the mosque, women must cover their shoulders, arms, and heads.
  • Both men and women must cover their legs entirely.

Friday, November 21, 2014

Chora Museum - Istanbul / Turkey

kariye chora istanbul turkey
The Chora Church - Istanbul
The Chora Museum (Turkish: Kariye Müzesi), located in the present day Fatih district, is widely considered to be one of the most stunning surviving examples of a Byzantine church. Its remarkable mosaics and frescoes are unparalleled. It's difficult to imagine the time and creativity it took to complete such overwhelming beauty. Although it's a little out of the way, you won’t regret visiting this gem.

The Chora Church was originally part of a monastery complex outside the walls of Istanbul. The church's full name, literally translated, was the Church of the Holy Saviour in the Country. The original church was built in the early 5th century outside Istanbul’s 4th century city walls. Later, Theodosius II built new walls and the church became a part of the city’s defences. 

The majority of the current church dates from 1077-1081 AD, when the church was rebuilt as an inscribed cross by Maria Dukaina, the mother-in-law of Alexius I Comnenus. After a partial collapse in the 12th century, the church was rebuilt by Alexius’ third son, Isaac Comnenus. However, the church as it stands today wasn't completed until two centuries later.

Mosaic of the Virgin Mother with child
Mosaic of the Virgin Mother with child
Many of the ornate mosaics and frescos that we see today were created between 1315 and 1321 ADVirgin Mary was considered the holy protector of Istanbul, she is repeatedly portrayed throughout the museum. There are fascinating and detailed scenes of the Virgin Mary’s conception, infancy, and life not found in Scripture. The museum’s most important mosaic is The Dormition of the Virgin’ (Koimesis) and can be found in the Naos.
by unknown artists. They're some of the finest examples of the Palaeologan Renaissance. As the

In the portrayal of the Resurrection (Anastasis), it shows a literal and detailed account of what awaits those in the afterlife. Christ has broken down the gates of hell and is pulling Adam and Eve from their tombs. He is surrounded by John the Baptist, David, Solomon, and righteous kings. It is a truly powerful and haunting fresco.

Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator
Mosaic of Christ Pantocrator
During the conquest of Istanbul in 1453, the Icon of the Theotokos Hodegetria, believed to be the protector of the city, was brought to the church to aid the Byzantines against the Ottoman attack. It did them little good and was lost in the siege. Around fifty years after the fall, Atik Ali Paşa (Grand Vizier of Sultan Bayezid II) had Chora Church converted into a mosque (Kariye Camii). Unfortunately, few signs of the former mosque remain today. A modest mihrab can be found in the Naos.

As iconic images are forbidden in Islam, the mosaics and frescoes were covered with plaster and whitewash (which consequently helped to preserve them). The building has been open to the public as a museum since its restoration in 1948, sponsored by the Byzantine Institute of America and the Dumbarton Oaks Center for Byzantine Studies.

If you want a detailed explanation of the frescoes and mosaics, it s worth it to get the audio guide for 5 TL, as the are no signs explaining history and depictions in the museum.

Admission:15 TL
Free with 5-Day Museum Card
Audioguide 5 TL
Hours:Summer (April 15 - September 30) 09 00 -19.00
Winter (October 1 - April 14) 09:00 - 17.00
Closed on Wednesdays