exploring en route (istanbul)

We had decided on a stop-over in Istanbul on our way to Cape Town. Visa delays shortened the stop to just two nights, but we still managed to see a lot of the sights. Jim had studied Byzantine-era Constantinople, and was excited to see the Hagia Sophia, the ancient city walls, and Byzantine mosiacs. Friends had also recommended touring Topkapi Palace and taking a Bosphorus ride, and Jennifer was excited to see the city from the top of Galata Tower. Highlights here!
 

View from the rooftop of our hotel, Neorion, in Sultanahmet.

Hagia Sofia, exterior.

An interior courtyard of the Hagia Sophia.

Interior Nave, Hagia Sophia. Notice how the marble floor has worn over time.

Ceiling of the Interior Nave, Hagia Sophia. Mosiacs date from 12th century (I think).

Dome of the Hagia Sophia - high enough to fit the Statue of Liberty.

Domes of the Hagia Sophia

Narthex of the Hagia Sophia. The altar was moved in the 16th (?) century when the church became a mosque, to face Mecca instead of Jerusalem.

We enjoyed speculating on how the relief carving on the column capitals was completed.

View of the Hagia Sophia's interior. We're shooting with a wide-angle lens, hence the distortion.

Mosiacs dating from 13th century (?)

Exterior, Hagia Sophia.

Taps for ablutions outside the Hagia Sophia (ritual of washing before entering a mosque).

Byzantine cistern

Medusa head in the Basilica cistern.

Blue Mosque

Courtyard of the Blue Mosque - we weren't able to enter as a service was going on.

Column of Constantine - dating from 11th century (?)

The base of the Egyptian obelisk in Istanbul was carved in Emporer Justinian's time (one of the great Byzantine emperors) and depicts him in various scenes at the Hippodrome (where the obelisk sits).

Jennifer and the obelisk.