Day one in Istanbul was a tour of some of the city arranged by Daphne. We started at the Spice Bazaar next to the New Mosque. Daphne's expression shows that it was one of the coldest weekends in Istanbul in years.
We toured the Haghia Sophia or church of holy wisdom. At more than 1400 years old, it is considered one of the world's greatest architectural achievements. It's huge and quite comparable to St. Peter's in Rome.
Our tour guide Claire showed us the marble that was collected from the corners of the empire to display their power. I love Brian's interest.
In the 15th century the church was converted into a mosque.
The art on the inside is Byzantine from the 9th century. It has brilliant mosaics that often were covered up in the conversion to a mosque.
The inside is huge and the dome is held up by four columns.
The kids each took a turn placing their fingers in a piece of marble that is believed to bring good luck.
It has a full second level where the royal family would take in the services/prayers.
David is standing in front of an incredibly detailed mosaic of judgement day with Mary, Jesus and John the Baptist. When you walk around the room, Jesus' eyes seem to follow you. Brian walked back and forth several times baffled by this trick.
Here you see the place that was originally where the alter was placed but now holds the qiblah wall marking the direction to Mecca. Prayers are directed to Mecca. The implication is that the prayer wall is not centered in the apse. That's the Virgin Mary with Jesus in the apse inside the mosque.
Here you can see how impressed Brian is learning about the Sultan's loge where he sat above the congregation.
Incredible that this is still standing not only through fire, war, and changing rulers but also because it is in an earthquake zone.
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