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Istanbul Journal
(Keith)
Istanbul is one of the world's most beautiful cities; the minarets of hundreds
of mosques dominate the skyline. At one setting, you can view Roman,
Byzantine, and Ottoman culture; you can then retire to a five star hotel and top
notch world cuisine.
The Blue Mosque (along with the Sistine Chapel and the Taj Mahal) now ranks in my top three buildings of the world. Its interior (as are most mosques) is a huge open floor covered with Turkish rugs. The mosque walls are covered with beautiful tiles that display calligraphic writings from the Koran, as well as, geometric shapes.
We also took a day cruise up the Bosphorous (the body of water that divides Asia and Europe - half of Istanbul is in Asia and half in Europe). An outstanding event that offered excellent views of the city's mosques and palaces. Istanbul is a beautiful city and should not be missed by those loving history, culture, and a good time.
(Lea) Even with all of Istanbul's merits, it was hard to pull
ourselves away from CNN - we felt sorrow when listening to the families of the
victims, anger when seeing the destruction, and pride as Americans when we
watched our country's people pull together. We finally made ourselves tour
Istanbul though it was often hard to concentrate on the sights. I am glad
we did because Istanbul is now one of my favorite cities. First, Istanbul is very cosmopolitan
with its many international visitors, classy hotels, restaurants and shops, and
elegant houses and yachts lining the Bosphorus strait. Secondly, Istanbul
has a definite old world, Ottoman feel with its splendid mosques and their daily
prayer calls and the sultans' palaces. Viewing the Blue Mosque (Sultan
Ahmet Camii) at night, during the day, from far away and from within is
breathtaking. Lastly, the Turkish hospitality is here in full force.
We've talked about it in our other journals, but I have to say again how
friendly they have treated us. Even if they are trying to sell us
something they are very polite, and would ask us in for tea.
Check out our Istanbul Photos.