Yesterday I sat out to explore historical attractions located in Sultanahmet. Ben, Lexie, Vera, John and I left at 10am for the long trek downtown. Sultanahmet is on the other side of Istanbul because this we had to take a dolmus to Sariyer, another dolmus to Metro, the Metro to Taksim, the Funicular (tram like) and finally the tram to Sultanahmet. The total trip took 1 hour and 30 minuets but it was well worth it.
We arrived in Sultanahmet a little after 11:30am. Heading straight to Haagia Sophia, we were determined to obtain öğrenci Muze Karts (student museum cards) for a years worth of discounts. After about an hour of waiting in lines we had muze karts and were embarking on our tour of the beautiful Haagia Sophia. The museum was filled with breath taking views. Thankfully Lexie had a guidebook that gave instructions for a self-guided tour through museum. I took a photo and made a wish for my grandmother at the miracle pillar. Later on I went upstairs and took photos from the emperor’s view and saw mosaics of Jesus Christ.
Around 2:30 we left and head out to Mozaik an expensive Ottoman inspired restaurant. I noticed the restaurant Enjoyer, which is owned by Cevat (Ja-vat) the nice Turk that I met in Geneva. I believe the food was good, as I still can’t taste. After lunch we continued on our tour of Sultanahmet. On our way to see freestanding remains of the Egyptians and Romans I was stopped by 4 women from Turkmenistan. They had asked me to take a photo of them. Next thing I know they were lining up to take photos with me. This was a little awkward and of course Lexie found this funny. In the process they asked, my age, where I was from and my name. I guess I’ll be in their scrapbook.
Later on we checked out the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. They’re currently holding an exhibit for the 1400 Anniversary of The Holy Qur’an. It was cool to see Qur’ans 12 centuries old. There were mini Qur’ans the size of an infants hands to 3 feet in height, Qur’an stands, Qur’an boxes, inspired jewelry and prayer rugs on display. I think the museum has done a great job with the exhibit. After looking around the museum we met in the gift shop. John came to Lexie and I and said Magnums are so cheap here. We looked at each other and said what are you talking about. John held up a popsicle stick and said don’t you have these in the states? We replied Magnums are condoms in the US. Talk about those cultural differences.
We left at 4:30 in search of another mosque and a 16th century Christian church. We found the mosque in a few minuets. While inside the court yard two children filled up a water gun and tried to squirt me. I yelled no! Hayir! I was hoping they would listen because I did not want to get sicker. We left the mosque in search of the church. On the way, I saw a man reorganizing plywood in his arms and a wheel. I thought I would help him open up a door to a store; turns out the door was a gate to a cemetery. After that I had an old man follow me laughing for about 2 minuets. For now on I will just pay attention to the details. Now we were lost and asking for directions. A few minuets later we ended up next to the Bosporus.
We asked for help and found our way again passing little balık restoranı (fish restaurants) where the fish were still alive in tubs. I have to go back there one day. After 20 minutes we found the church, which had just closed. We then headed on our dissent up the hills. They were pretty steep. The steepness combined with the cold are in my lungs mad my asthma flair up more. We zig zaged through streets to give our bodies time to adjust. Every time I looked back I could see the Bosporus shimmering at the base of what seemed to be an endless hill. Finally, we arrived at the top of the hill and were greeted by the hustle and bustle of sellers near the Grand Bazaar.
Check out the pictures here.
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