Four Continents 2012

View from our hotel's rooftop restaurant, looking over the Golden Horn. *

Rather less attractive view towards Aya Sophia. †

On our first morning in Istanbul, we wandered down to the waterfront. This is the view across the Golden Horn, with a ferry approaching and the Galata Tower in the background. *

The Galata Bridge across the Golden Horn, with a multitude of fish restaurants on its lower level. *

We took a boat trip along the Bosphorus, passing the Dolmabahçe Palace ... †

and under the Bosphorus Bridge, with its nearby old fortifications. *

*

Our destination was the village of Anadolu Kavagi, guarded by another old hilltop fortress. †

The village had some attractive waterfront houses ... *

and some that were less attractive. *

The centre of the village is almost entirely composed of fish restaurants catering for the tourists who arrive by boat. *

Some local residents passing the time. †

The next day, we set out to see the Süleymaniye Mosque, passing the impressive University building. *

Nick made a mistake in navigation, so we ended up at the Sehzade Mehmet Mosque. It was not where we intended to be, but it was very beautiful. †

*

*

†

*

†

Nearby was the Aqueduct of Valens, which used to be the water supply for Istanbul. *

Eventually, we did reach the Süleymaniye Mosque. *

*

†

*

*

*

*

†

View over the Golden Horn from outside the Süleymaniye Mosque. †

Then back to near Galata Bridge to see the Spice Bazaar. The goods on sale looked so nice that we took many photos. *

A calligrapher preparing a name plate for our grandson. *

An evening view of the Blue Mosque ... *

and of the restaurants near our hotel. *

The Bosphorus Bridge in lights, from our hotel's rooftop restaurant. *

Street scenes around Sultanahmet. *

*

During our second stay in Istanbul, we set off on a quite long journey by two trams to the Chora church. *

The church is near the old walls of Istanbul. *

It is noted for its mosaics and other decoration. *

*

*

†

†

That evening, we dined at Topaz, an excellent restaurant in the Galata area ... *

... with views out over the Bosphorus. *

Our last day in Istanbul, we revisited Aya Sophia: built as a church in 537, converted to a mosque in 1453, and classified as a museum in 1935. *

*

*

*

*

In places, there are some structural problems. *

Leaving Istanbul, we were able to use the Turkish Airlines Business lounge, which is by far the best appointed airport lounge we have encountered. *

This is the ladies' rest room. *