Istanbul - Kandilli Observatory, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, 3/30/2006

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Most viewed - Istanbul - Kandilli Observatory, Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern, 3/30/2006

Obelisk of Theodosius I671 viewsOriginally erected at Karnak by Pharaoh Thutmose III in the 15th century BC, and moved to Constantinople by Emperor Theodosius I in 390 AD. It stands in what used to be the Hippodrome and is now Sultan Ahmet Square.

Column Capital667 viewsThe Basilica Cistern was constructed with columns salvaged from ruins of older buildings, brought to Constantinople from all parts of the Roman Empire.

Gateway to the Forecourt665 viewsDecorated with the names of the Caliphs and verses from the Koran by the great 17th-century calligrapher Seyyid Kasim Gubari.

Medusa Heads665 viewsThere are two marble Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern, both used as column pedestals. Their origin is unknown. This one is upside-down.

Approaches to the Blue Mosque664 viewsThe Blue Mosque was intended to demonstrate that Islamic architects could build structures to rival Hagia Sophia in size and majesty.

The Hen's Eye Column662 viewsA column engraved with raised pictures of a hen's eye, slanted branches, and tears. Legend says that the tears pay tribute to the many slaves who died during the construction of the Cistern.

Kandilli Observatory657 viewsOur first stop after landing in Istanbul was the Kandilli Observatory, or more formally known as the Kandilli Observatory and Earthquake Research Institute, affiliated with Boĝaziçi University of Istanbul.

Illumination649 viewsFlash photography is not permitted in the Blue Mosque. Even though artificial lighting supplements the natural light admitted through the stained-glass windows, it was still too dim for our cameras inside the mosque, so many of our pictures came out blurry.

Sideways Medusa Head649 viewsIt is thought that this Medusa head was placed sideways because only that orientation made it the right height to support the column which it supported.

Main Dome of the Blue Mosque646 viewsThe Main Dome has 28 stained-glass windows. The Mosque also has four secondary and eight tertiary domes.

Blue Mosque - interior644 viewsThe mosque has over 200 stained-glass windows. The glass for the windows was a gift from Venice to the Sultan.

Courtyard of the Blue Mosque637 viewsThe court is as large as the mosque itself and is surrounded by a continuous vaulted arcade. The hexagonal structure in the center is a fountain.

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