The Basilica Cistern

Lots of sightseeing today.  We actually got a tour guide for the whole day, something we’ve done many times in the past - best money and time spent.  Highlight of the day was our tour underground into the Basilica Cistern, a vast water storage cavern created by the Holy Roman emperor Justinian in 532AD.  This place was forgotten long ago and was rediscovered in the Middle Ages when it was learned people were pulling water (and even fish) from holes in their basements.  This thing holds 22 million gallons of water! Today, you can walk through it on elevated walkways.  There are 336 columns supporting its roof which give it an eerie church like feel.  They’ve also added some modern sculptures in the water to add to the vibe (see below).  Interesting fact:  This place was used in a scene from the 1963 James Bond film “From Russia With Love,”as well as the last scene in Dan Brown’s “Inferno.”

Scary!  Hello, Golum



We also saw the Hippodrome today, site of a Roman chariot race track, as well as the “Blue Mosque” and Topkapi Palace (former home of the sultans). Unfortunately, the Blue Mosque was under renovation and we didn’t get to see a lot of it.  Below are a few pics from Topkapi Palace . . . 


View across the Bosphorus Strait

The sultan’s golden throne. Turkey has been a republic after overthrowing the sultan in 1922. Apparently, his descendants are still around, living in France. 
This was like a lighthouse, letting everyone know that the sultan was a badass and would smite them if they didn’t behave. 

Sultan armor 
Sultan gardens
Sultan swords . . . That middle one is about 10ft long. Let’s be serious people, Conan the Barbarian couldn’t wield that thing!
Sultan guns . . . very pretty

Comments

  1. André: Thank you Greg for all these pictures.

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    Replies
    1. More to follow. Julie is at her work conference today and I am wandering around Istanbul

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  2. André: Many thanks Greg for all the pictures you sent. How lucky you are. Keep showing us around Istanbul.

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