Istanbul in 24 hours

Sue and Martin celebrate 40 years together this year and thought a cruise was appropriate. We were lucky enough to be invited on the trip on Queen Victoria around the Med. We started with two nights in Istanbul which although hot was an amazing experience and we really did not do it justice in 24 hours. Views, food and mosques are the cornerstones of this vibrant and colourful city of 17.5 million.

We caught up with Sue and Martin on their rooftop bar overlooking the 63 metre high Galata tower built in 1348.

The old and modern day are contrasted by this mosque and its adjoining symmetrical landing light “stars”. 

The rooftop bar was in full swing long before the sunset.

  The warm light assisted with some compelling images.

As dark set in the colours of the harbour and mosques were captivating.

While overhead there were many large swifts and seagulls enjoying an evening feast including Jonathan Livingstone seagull flying over the moon.

The next day our taxi driver took us to the Blue Mosque where he introduced us to his Uncle (who owned a carpet shop) who in turn found us a guide…. As there were prayers we first visited the Fagia Sophia museum. Over the years the building has been used by many religious sects. At the top of the dome (which is some 40 metres across) is an image of the virgin Mary while below is a stairway and pulpit for the local Mullah aligned with Mecca.

Some of the mosaics are very detailed. Unfortunately over the years many of the decorations were plastered over as they were too rich for Moslem prayer. There is a long term project (20 years and counting) refurbishing the decorations now that the building is a museum. Unfortunately much has been damaged by the plaster work.

There were also some large ornate cast iron chandeliers to enable the space to be lit.

We then moved to the Blue Mosque built in a mere 7 years and completed in 1616.  (Apologies for the posers wanting a selfie!)

Shoes off and headgear for the women were required. However, how these two questionable characters got in is anyone's guess.

The main dome is massive (23.5 m dia internally) and its height could not be captured in one shot. The many wires set in the dome

support a huge chandelier. The carpet has a linear pattern to enable all to face towards Mecca. Along most of the walls are thousands of tiles making up hundreds of unique decorative panels. They are largely blue and hence the name of the mosque. 

Accommodation for a thousand or more worshippers is not quite enough and on many occasions patrons have to pray outside the building.

The food in this part of the world is mouth watering. Even simple fare like the bread at lunch with its piping hot steam packet was wonderfully tasty on its own or with the many dips/meats.

One I had not expected was the abundance of chestnut stalls. Some had a second line - corn on the cob.

But what really drew the eye was the amazing displays of Baklava (right opposite our hotel – what chance did we have?) Helen was full of anticipation

While Martin’s slightly guilty look suggests he secretly helped himself before our food was delivered.

Everywhere you looked the detailed presentation was fabulous – It’s a good job Paddington came from Peru as he would never have left Istanbul.

Our last visit was to the Grand Bazaar. It goes on for miles with alleys specialising in leatherwear, ceramics, clothes, etc, etc. Fortunately after a long hot day the girls were not up for too much shopping so the damage bill was limited.

The following day we packed and headed off for Queen Victoria. The air conditioned comfort of the ship was particularly well received after queuing in the unventilated booking in shed. After dinner and drinks we cast off a little after 22:00 for a day at sea through the Dardanelles.