Europe 2011

The Instanbul skyline, punctuated by minarets rather than office blocks. *

This is the Aya Sophia. It was built as a cathedral in 537, and was the largest cathedral in the world until Seville Cathedral was completed in 1520. After the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire, it became a mosque. With the establishment of secular Turkey, it was declared a museum in 1935. †

This is the interior ... †

with the lights making interesting patterns. *

And the dome seen from floor level. *

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An old and sadly damaged mosaic. †

And one that is less damaged. *

When the cathedral became a mosque, much of the Christian symbolism was removed. †

The exterior by night. *

Nearby is the Sultanahmet Mosque, known as the "Blue Mosque", built in 1617. *

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The interior is beautifully decorated. *

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As are parts of the exterior. †

And a night-time view. *

The Cistern of the Basilica is a remarkable place. Built as water storage, it was forgotten for many years. It now has only a small amount of water, with carp swimming around, and walkways and soft lighting have been installed for visitors. *

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Although the columns would have been totally under water when the cistern was being used, some of them have carved designs, maybe because they had previously been used elsewhere. *

There were also two Medusa heads supporting columns, this one upside down. *

We also visited the Topkapi Palace, the home of the rulers of Constantinope for centuries. *

Fountain inside a courtyard at Topkapi. †

A window in the Topkapi Palace. *

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A washing niche. *

The Galata Tower, seen from across the Golden Horn. *