Profile
Blog
Photos
Videos
First full day in Istanbul. Hit the streets faithfully following Jeannie's instincts (and a map). Found the palace Topkasi nearby. Amazing palace built by the Ottomans. Room for many many concubines (1 is more than enough for me). Amazing mosaics and architecture and they also had a Holy Relics chamber with the Prophet Mohammed's beard, footprint etc. Don't know how they managed it but they also had King Davids sword, Moses' staff and Abraham's saucepan (saw it with my own eyes!) among other relics. All very interesting. Also in the massive palace complex were three museums including one containing artifacts from the bronze age onward in Africa, Asia and the Middle East including the Biblical civilizations such as the Assyrians, Hittites, Sumerians and of course the Egyptians. Awe-inspiring to be so close to stuff from 65,000 years on - within arms length. Another museum had sarcophagi from throughout the ages including one they thought was Alexander the Greats. A 5000 year old mummified skeleton out in a glass case, and so much more. They have so much they have it lying around outside in the grounds. Only downside was no beer inside the entire complex. Man is not a camel! Had to make to with alternate liquids in a cafe on the Bosphorous Sea. Wandered back through the streets - so much to see and hear. It is Ramadan so the call to prayers are on steroids at present and they either have a call and response across the city or they were competing for loudness. Great meal and cold Efes beers before continuing our wandering. Back to the hotel and we were bushed. Even had a lie down before going up to the terraced rooftop for drinks in the cool evening breeze, looking out over the sea and the old quarter.
- comments