We were so excited to visit the city that has been such a part of our study of world history.
Istanbul - once Constantinople - the eastern capital of the Roman Empire.
It has seen many changes throughout history, especially during the Byzantine, and Ottoman Empires.
With its strategic position along the Silk Road and its enormous port connecting Europe to Asia,
it's no wonder that the impact of culture and religion converges here in a fascinating way.
Today, the majority of people are Muslim, part of the Sunni branch of Islam,
but the traces of its rich and varied history are everywhere.
The Hagia Sophia
A christian cathedral built in the 6th century by Justinian the Great.
The largest in the world for more than 1000 years.
Later converted to a mosque during the Ottoman empire
Now it is a museum displaying both histories.
The Hagia Sophia
A christian cathedral built in the 6th century by Justinian the Great.
The largest in the world for more than 1000 years.
Later converted to a mosque during the Ottoman empire
Now it is a museum displaying both histories.
The Blue Mosque
To be continued....corrupted file from Day 1 on my Instanbul pics! Yikes!
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