Istanbul, Turkey

Friday, April 10, 2009 – Istanbul, Turkey
Perfect day again!! Blue skies, 65 degrees, sunshine and spring flowers in bloom all around us. The tulip is their national flower and the sidewalks are lined with flowers in perfect bloom, just like Dover, DE!

We had a delay in getting off the ship as there was a US Navy ship in our berth. We were supposed to be off at 8 but finally got off at 10. The bus was waiting for our private tour for the Ensemble travelers and we headed out of town to join in the mix of the other 18 million in this large city.

Crossing over the Galata bridge to the old town, we went to the famous Blue Mosque (the Sultan Ahmet Mosque), the symbol of Istanbul with its six minarets. Completed in 1616, the mosque was part of a complex which consisted of a mosque, tombs, fountains, kitchens and a bath. The 21,000 blue Iznik tiles covering the walls have given the mosque its popular name. We had to remove our shoes before entering the mosque and found it is carpeted inside. It is still used for prayer daily and there are sections barricaded so the tourists do not get too close to those praying. The ezan (call to prayer) is broadcast through loudspeakers from the minaret five times a day (dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, dusk and after dark). Men wear perfume when praying in the mosque and there is a separate women’s section upstairs.

We walked to the Hippodrome, once the site of great chariot races and Byzantine civic life. There are three monuments there today: the Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze serpentine column and the column of Constantine.

St. Sophia, a 6th century basilica famous for its gigantic domes and magnificent mosaics, was once the largest church of the Christian world. There is constant restoration of the ceiling tiles and mosaics and you can walk on an interior upper level to view the vastness of the basilica. It is one of the best examples of Byzantine architecture.

At the Grand Bazaar, there are 4000 vendors selling carpets, leather goods, jewelry, antique reproductions and other items. The oldest part of the market is Cevahir Bedesteni, which specializes in gold and silver works. We bought a hat and considered a silver ring but that did not make the cut. Stray cats call the area home.

We visited the Cinar carpet store – to use their bathrooms! I’m sure they offer their facilities to get groups in the door. Since we were in there, I checked the prices and found a beautiful silk carpet, 10” x 14” (INCHES that is), with 1,069 knots per square inch for a mere $2,700. They have won the “America’s Magnificent Carpet Award” award for three years now. And they have the world’s largest double-knotted handwoven silk carpet in the industry for sale for over $1.9M. It took over four years to complete, weights 700 pounds, has 64 million knots and had 18 weavers working on it. The photo is absolutely gorgeous and you really must see their website, or better yet, come on over and choose one yourself. They are the Best of the Best! www.cinarhali.com.tr

We headed to lunch at the Kaylon Hotel on the water. In a bright and airy room, we have views of the Bosphorus Sea and enjoyed lamb, eggplant, tomatoes and rice while local musicians played for us.

The cruise on the Bosphorus Sea was fun, exhilarating, and interesting. Our group of 39 had a chartered boat which would hold 150, so we had plenty of room. The entire downstairs was enclosed with a bar and snacks and tables and the upper deck was open with (lawn) chairs and benches. There was commentary as we sailed on both the European and Asian shores of Istanbul passing the impressive homes ($1-5M price range), two forts and castles (one was built in 2.5 months!), the palaces of Dolmabahce, Ciragan and Kucuksu, the Conqueror’s Bridge and the Beylerbeyi Palace and the learned of the city’s commuter problems. We ended where the Black Sea meets the Marmara Sea. The weather was ideal! Then we headed back to the ship to collapse! It was a wonderful tour and day in Istanbul.

Facts on Turkey:
Turkey is divided between the continents of Europe and Asia. It is a rich melting pot of the East and West. Istanbul was the capital of the Ottoman Empire which dominated the Mideast for many years. Topkapi Palace, the official residence of the Ottoman Sultans and home to treasures that include Spoonmaker’s Diamond, had a large harem with over 1000 concubines, who were protected by eunuchs. Taking a haman, a Turkish bath, is part of the Muslim faith as cleanliness is considered an important part of their faith. The Turkish delight dessert story: It was originally made by the Chief Confectioner for the Sultan who loved it and thus was made for the general public. It consists of dates, honey, roses and jasmine. Belly dancing originated in the gypsy quarter in Istanbul. They believed it was a fertility rite to aid women in childbirth. Agatha Christie wrote “Murder on the Orient Express” when she was in Istanbul. Florence Nightingale, the “Lady of the Lamp”, worked at her first hospital here. There is a museum detailing her long hours of dedicated nursing on a military base in the area.

The scents and colors of the blooming flowers all around the city really enhanced the trip. What a beautiful time of year to travel.

Dinner and show and computer work – the usual.