I remember how excited i was to arrive in Istanbul - finally, the city of my dreams - the old Byzantine empire, Constantinople, Ottomans, culture melting pot and Hagia Sophia - whom i was dreaming of. Our hotel was small, and the owners were friendly. We joked, drunk and smoked under the moonlight. After a while, we explored the city on foot.
Day 8 - We woke up bright and bushy eye to go to our first stop, Blue Mosque - built by the Ottomans. She was small and dainty like a set of fine bone china. Intricately painted & lovingly used. We would later learn that Sinan's student built this mosque. Almost like a jewel box, her only curse, is that she is located so near to that Grand Dame called Hagia Sophia.
Our 2nd stop was Hagia Sophia. Just located opposite the Blue Mosque, we purchased the museum pass for 3 days. It was a pilgrimage for me. A bucket list - to do item - that i always thought was out of reach. Built by the Roman Emperor Justinian I as a church - it was looted, raided and re-purpose as a mosque and now a museum. If her walls could speak, the stories that she can tell.
When we first went in, i was slightly surprised. The building was old and aging, you could see the layers of paint and plaster. Half the building was under restoration. Quickly, you will adjust and breathe in the sense of history. Looking up, one will see Virgin Mary and the angels overlooking you, next to Islamic symbols - carefully revealed. Sections of the mosque was lovingly restored - showing you the past Christian motifs laying side by side with the Islamic decorations.
The beautiful white ivory box where the royal Ottoman family will sit for prayer sessions.
We were really productive on this day - our 3rd stop - Basilica Cistern - which Justinian built to store water. One can really see that this was just simply put together with pillars salvaged from different eras. For me, Dan Brown and his latest novel danced in my head - where he used this very locale to describe how the end of the world virus was spread. In real life, this is now used for concerts - thanks to its excellent underground acoustics.
Our 4th Stop was a quick visit to the Grand Bazaar. Though, this was pretty disappointing - the market was big with touristy goods - but nothing truly unique popped up and prices were a tad steep. Lots of counterfeit products imported from China. I suppose in the age of Amazon, Taobao & endless selections online - has rendered this once impressive market to kitsch. 
Along our way, we walked to our 5th stop - Suleymaniye mosque. This was the biggest mosque in Istanbul and built by the legendary Sinan. We absolutely loved it. There is simplicity and peace that you get when you step into his mosque. Grandeur and sheer size doesn't overwhelm but just embraces his visitors.
There was a liberal use of floral motifs within the mosque - which was another unique feature.
The low hanging chandeliers work to improve the acoustics within the mosque & prevent unnecessary echoes during prayer.
By the time the night was here - we were exhausted from visiting so many sights in a single day. Rooftop seafood dinner in the rain. :)
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