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

Entertainment Value704 viewsThe Basilica Cistern has been featured in a number of movies, including the James Bond thriller From Russia With Love, in which Bond took advantage of its location under the Soviet Consulate to get access to a cryptographic machine. In reality, the Consulate is nowhere near the Cistern.

Kandilli Observatory700 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.

Column Capital696 viewsThe Basilica Cistern was constructed with columns salvaged from ruins of older buildings, brought to Constantinople from all parts of the Roman Empire.

Medusa Heads691 viewsThere are two marble Medusa heads in the Basilica Cistern, both used as column pedestals. Their origin is unknown. This one is upside-down.

The Hen's Eye Column689 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.

Gateway to the Forecourt682 viewsDecorated with the names of the Caliphs and verses from the Koran by the great 17th-century calligrapher Seyyid Kasim Gubari.

Sideways Medusa Head682 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 Mosque679 viewsThe Main Dome has 28 stained-glass windows. The Mosque also has four secondary and eight tertiary domes.

Illumination674 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.

Approaches to the Blue Mosque673 viewsThe Blue Mosque was intended to demonstrate that Islamic architects could build structures to rival Hagia Sophia in size and majesty.

Blue Mosque - interior663 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 Mosque663 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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