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Byzantium Relics
We begin our tour of the Sultanahmet
district, the heart of old Istanbul, at Saint Sophia*.
Built by Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD, this
church is one of the marvels of world architecture. Its
massive dome dominates the skyline of old Istanbul. It is
famed for its mosaics, including glittering portraits of
emperors and empresses. Next we visit the Blue Mosque,
which owes its name to the exquisite tiles adorning its
interior. Dating from the 17th century, it is the only
imperial mosque with six minarets. The Museum of Turkish
and Islamic Arts in the palace of İbrahim Pasha, grand
vezir to Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, houses exhibits
from many eras, but is most famous for its collection of
Ottoman carpets. The Hippodrome, the stadium of ancient
Byzantium, held 100,000 spectators and featured objects
from all corners of the empire. Of these, an Egyptian
obelisk and a bronze sculpture of three entwined serpents
from Delphi survive. The Grand Bazaar, was the commercial
heart of the old city and its 4,000 shops are full of
treasures – including carpets and kilims, silks, jewelry,
ceramics, icons, and leather goods. Wandering through the
Grand Bazaar, indulge in some shopping, Ottoman style. (also
available on Tuesday afternoons)
*On Mondays, when Saint Sophia is closed, we visit
the Chora Church, famed for its mosaics and frescoes.
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