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

First Glimpse of Hagia Sophia447 viewsMarvin and Attila contemplate Hagia Sophia through the frame of a gateway to the forecourt of the Blue Mosque.

Approaches to the Blue Mosque439 viewsThe Blue Mosque was intended to demonstrate that Islamic architects could build structures to rival Hagia Sophia in size and majesty.

Richmond Hotel Lobby434 viewsLocated on Istiklal Street in the Beyoĝlu district of Istanbul, the Richmond was well-placed to optimize our navigation of the city.

Gateway to the Forecourt432 viewsDecorated with the names of the Caliphs and verses from the Koran by the great 17th-century calligrapher Seyyid Kasim Gubari.

Column Capital424 viewsThe Basilica Cistern was constructed with columns salvaged from ruins of older buildings, brought to Constantinople from all parts of the Roman Empire.

Courtyard of the Blue Mosque418 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.

Entrance to the Blue Mosque416 viewsAdmission to the Blue Mosque is obtained through the forecourt, which itself is entered via this imposing gateway.

Touring the Blue Mosque414 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.

Medusa Heads414 viewsThere are two marble Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern, both used as column pedestals. Their origin is unknown. This one is upside-down.

Obelisk of Theodosius I411 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.

Kandilli Observatory403 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.

Main Dome of the Blue Mosque401 viewsThe Main Dome has 28 stained-glass windows. The Mosque also has four secondary and eight tertiary domes.

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