Istanbul pictures

Our first place to see, the Blue Mosque. There were probably 1,000 lights like the ones you can see here, they used to be candles. Can you imagine the work of lighting those candles every day/evening, or the smoke they had to deal with from those candles? I'm glad they are now electric!

Our first day in Istanbul. It was 30 degrees~ I was freezing! We bought these caps from a street vendor with some gloves. Two sets for about $10. ~ I was so happy and finally a little warm. We didn't come prepared for freezing :-(

Passage of Concubines in the Harem part of the Topkapi Palace

An explanation of the previous picture

Basilica Cistern~ fascinating and beautiful. Under the city.

Hagia Sophia

They had these corn and chestnut vendors all over the city. We had chestnuts on Christmas Eve~tasty!

These were in the Topkapi Palace. Sultans from long ago wore these. They were lined with heavy material for warmth. I found out a few minutes later that I wasn't supposed to be taking pictures~oops!

This was inside the Physician's palace on the grounds of the Topkapi Palace. The tiles and glass work were stunning.

This is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. It was acres of shops. I could have spent a day here easy.

This is our new friend, Turut. He had worked in this shop,one of many owned by his family, since he was a boy. Bob bought a chess set from him and had a great time choosing and talking with this guy. And now he has his long awaited chess set from one of our favorite places.

This is a view from the Galata Tower.

Hanedan Hotel where we stayed in the Hittite Room. Quaint,with an incredible view from the terrace.

We spent a lot of time on the trains going places and loved hanging out in the evenings on this street.

Chora Church Museum. These mosaics date back centuries. Interesting history.

Some nights we would buy these rolls that would either be plain or stuffed with Nutella. Yum! There were street vendors all over the city, so easy to pick one up and they made for a great lunch or dinner on the go. This was on a walkway of the Sea of Marmara.

Marmara Sea fishing port. That sunset was so beautiful.

Princes Island: Buyukada. The sun was finally out! We caught a ferry to this island and stayed the day. I am trying to talk Bob into opening a bed & breakfast here during the summer~ any takers?! You would love it here.

Stray cats are seen everywhere in Istanbul. This was on Buyukada Island. They are not skinny cats by any means but so fat and cute. Enjoying a sunny day like the rest of us. 

These are a small representation of the pictures we took during our stay and I wish I could somehow include all the smells, and other things we experienced. One of the strangest things we went to was a performance of the Whirling Dervishes ceremony on Christmas Eve. You can read about it(do this first) and watch a You Tube here, if interested.
Whirling Dervishes or Mevlevi Order  & on You Tube here You Tube of Whirling Dervishes