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

Medusa Heads246 viewsThere are two marble Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern, both used as column pedestals. Their origin is unknown. This one is upside-down.

Blue Mosque - interior242 viewsThe mosque has over 200 stained-glass windows. The glass for the windows was a gift from Venice to the Sultan.

Touring the Blue Mosque242 viewsThe Blue Mosque is both a working mosque and one of the main tourist attractions of Istanbul. Here our tour group gathers for instruction by Attila in its history and architecture, as well as the rules of etiquette for visitors.

Supporting columns240 views336 marble columns support the ceiling of the Cistern. Each column is 9 metres (30 ft) high. They are arranged in 12 rows of 28 columns spaced 5 metres (16 ft) apart.

First Glimpse of Hagia Sophia239 viewsMarvin and Attila contemplate Hagia Sophia through the frame of a gateway to the forecourt of the Blue Mosque.

Illumination230 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.

Blue Mosque - Arches216 viewsThis type of arch is typically Islamic; very similar arches are found in the Great Mosque of Cordoba in Spain, among other places.

Kandilli Observatory215 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.

Sultan Ahmet Square215 viewsAt the end of the square opposite the Obelisk of Theodosius I, seen in the foreground, stands the Walled Obelisk, built in the 10th century by the Byszantine Emperor Constantine Porphyrogenitus. The Walled Obelisk was originally covered with bronze plaques, but these were plundered by the Latin occupiers during the Fourth Crusade, and now only the stone core remains.

Richmond Hotel Lobby215 viewsLocated on Istiklal Street in the Beyoĝlu district of Istanbul, the Richmond was well-placed to optimize our navigation of the city.

Obelisk of Theodosius I212 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.

Entrance to the Blue Mosque211 viewsAdmission to the Blue Mosque is obtained through the forecourt, which itself is entered via this imposing gateway.

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