The Adventure Continues ….
We met our guide in the hotel lobby at 9am, and begin what would be a seven-hour journey through Istanbul’s rich history.
Our first stop was the site of the original Hippodrome, an impressive structure constructed by the Romans. This entertainment center could accommodate an astounding 80,000 spectators! Sadly, it was destroyed in a devastating earthquake. The city built over it. Today, a broken column remains as a powerful testament to this ancient gathering place. It’s fascinating to see the contrast between the new construction sitting atop the original Roman structure, a perfect example of Istanbul’s history.
Next, we toured the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, more commonly known as the Blue Mosque. After removing our shoes as a sign of respect, we entered and were immediately awestruck by the enormous size and breathtaking grandeur of this magnificent house of worship. The mosque has a capacity of 4,000 people inside, with space for additional worshippers to gather outside during peak times. The intricate tile work and soaring dome left us in awe.
Our next stop was Topkapi Palace, the historic home of the Sultans who ruled Turkey through the centuries.
It was a grandiose complex of buildings that included living quarters for the Sultan his family and harem, as well as accommodations for the army and guards—truly a city within the city. The palace also housed a college, library, and various reception and ballrooms. At its peak in the 16th century, it provided a home to 10,000 people!
I was particularly intrigued by how they managed to feed such a large population. Using only wood fires and large cooking vessels, the kitchens featured a series of six enormous rooms, each with a single funnel-shaped opening in the roof to remove the heat and smoke.
Leaving the palace behind, we made our way to Istanbul’s famous Grand Bazaar, home to over 3,000 shops all under one roof! This marketplace is truly dizzying in its scope and energy. The many corridors and endless array of colorful goods mean you could easily get lost and disoriented.
Somehow we managed.
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