Sights of Instanbul
October 18th 2006 22:07
SIGHTS OF INSTANBUL…
The longer you spend in Instanbul, the more you come to appreciate its rich history.
Previously known as Constantinople in the old world, situated on the Bosporous and Marmara seas, it was a place of growth and learning well beyond other European nations of the time.
Over time, this civilization resulted in the construction of spectacular buildings and mosques including the Aya Sophia originally built over 1400 years ago, the New mosque-now 400years old, the Mosque of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, and the Blue Mosque-seat of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the early 20th century- with its resplendent ceiling tiles. Some underwent change from cathedrals to mosques with little architectural additions.
Visiting mosques we ‘covered up’ in modest clothing, carried a scarf and left our shoes outside.
‘WHITE PALACE’
The Sultans were absolute rulers living in the lap of luxury. In the late 19th century, Kings and Queens and Heads of State of other nations sent elaborate gifts to the monarch- now seen in the modern styled ‘White Palace’. You will marvel at magnificent chandeliers from England, elaborate carved marquetry tables from India, exquisite porcelain and furniture to attest to the empires standing of the time.
TOPKAPI PALACE: This was a ‘must see’ as having seen a movie of the same name, we were curious to know if the precious emerald dagger existed. It did. Magnificent, encrusted with the precious stone- it did not disappoint. Everywhere we walked, the decorative tiles filled each corner of the rooms, so it was with most of the buildings we visited.
THE HAREM: Another curiosity; and smaller than we imagined; it consisted of a myriad of rooms with small carved openings through which the inhabitants could view the outside world. Elaborately decorated rooms, now faded through time, allowed us to visualize what living in these circumstances might have been like. There was an outdoor garden with high walls surrounding it. Rooms bordering the harem were used by eunuchs who guarded the harem. It was considered an honour to take on this role, but any familiarity with the inhabitants of the harem was severely dealt with We made use of a professional guide to learn more intricate tales.
SULTANS: I recommend you invest in a book on the history of the Sultans while you are in Turkey as it is difficult to find such a wide range outside of the country. Reading about the different lines of sultans is fascinating as there was much blood letting upon the ascendence of a new ruler. The remnants of the previous family, and indeed of some male heirs of the incoming Sultan were usually quickly disposed of, to ensure there would be no dissent or threat.
SHOPPING: This is an absolute joy.
SPICE MARKET; I started at this market. winding forever through a cavernous building with high, high ceilings. You almost faint at the pungent aromas emenating all around you. Stall after stall selling precious saffron (and so cheap!), cumin, coriander, honey, dates, dried fruit. Products laid onto mats in great mounds- the bright colours attract if the incessant cries to buy, do not bring you closer to look. Different sections separate sellers of all kinds of sweets- the area for turkish delight draws me near. Various flavours or rose scented, and stuffed with an assortment of pistachio nuts, almonds and colours like a rainbow- the choice is mind blowing. We eat and buy, taste and taste. Our bags now bursting with produce.
COVERED MARKET OR OLD BAZAAR: This is where you buy anything else. Again sectioned by products, you can spend several days traversing in, and beyond into nearby streets that continue to stretch the market beyond its inner boundaries. If it is shoes you want, or leather goods, or carved items, copper articles, or pottery- you will find no better choice. I purchased my ‘must-haves’ –a carved copper tray with ring and chain attached to hold up the tea-set which included the pot and several little copper cups. An embroidered leather covered water jug, some quaint pointy-toed sandals, a handful of blown glass bowls and fabrics.
CARPETS: Everywhere you go it seems someone owns a carpet shop. Continually urged to ‘visit my best carpet stall or shop’ we found ourselves sitting down to learn about the art of carpet making. How the dyes are made, counting the stitches to ascertain if this is a ‘good’ quality carpet, the lightness of silk rugs and the stories behind the hundreds of designs available. In between we drank cups and cups of ‘te’, We had intended to purchase a carpet on our travels but having visited about 10 stores and becoming more confused – the idea of choosing a bukhara or a baloush (I am using phonetic spelling!)..was rethought.
At one vendor’s shop, he asked us what we were looking for- and before I could stop myself, I heard my voice saying ‘it’s only for my cat’!
Without a word, the owner dashed away, we heard much rustling of paper- upon returning, he, placed a small package wrapped in brown paper in my lap saying ‘this is from me for your cat’.
Totally surprised and not wanting to be impolite by tearing open the package, we made our exit- rushing back to the hotel to open this unexpected gift. I found inside the parcel an exquisite sample-a two foot square of pure silk carpet. Well I was both shocked and grateful for the vendor’s generosity who although missing out on a sale, saw fit to offer a gift for my cat.
When I returned to London and put the mat down, my cat Tigger immediately settled down onto it- obviously he knew and appreciated its value….
….more tomorrow….
The longer you spend in Instanbul, the more you come to appreciate its rich history.
Previously known as Constantinople in the old world, situated on the Bosporous and Marmara seas, it was a place of growth and learning well beyond other European nations of the time.
Over time, this civilization resulted in the construction of spectacular buildings and mosques including the Aya Sophia originally built over 1400 years ago, the New mosque-now 400years old, the Mosque of Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent, and the Blue Mosque-seat of the Ottoman Empire from the 15th to the early 20th century- with its resplendent ceiling tiles. Some underwent change from cathedrals to mosques with little architectural additions.
‘WHITE PALACE’
The Sultans were absolute rulers living in the lap of luxury. In the late 19th century, Kings and Queens and Heads of State of other nations sent elaborate gifts to the monarch- now seen in the modern styled ‘White Palace’. You will marvel at magnificent chandeliers from England, elaborate carved marquetry tables from India, exquisite porcelain and furniture to attest to the empires standing of the time.
TOPKAPI PALACE: This was a ‘must see’ as having seen a movie of the same name, we were curious to know if the precious emerald dagger existed. It did. Magnificent, encrusted with the precious stone- it did not disappoint. Everywhere we walked, the decorative tiles filled each corner of the rooms, so it was with most of the buildings we visited.
THE HAREM: Another curiosity; and smaller than we imagined; it consisted of a myriad of rooms with small carved openings through which the inhabitants could view the outside world. Elaborately decorated rooms, now faded through time, allowed us to visualize what living in these circumstances might have been like. There was an outdoor garden with high walls surrounding it. Rooms bordering the harem were used by eunuchs who guarded the harem. It was considered an honour to take on this role, but any familiarity with the inhabitants of the harem was severely dealt with We made use of a professional guide to learn more intricate tales.
SHOPPING: This is an absolute joy.
SPICE MARKET; I started at this market. winding forever through a cavernous building with high, high ceilings. You almost faint at the pungent aromas emenating all around you. Stall after stall selling precious saffron (and so cheap!), cumin, coriander, honey, dates, dried fruit. Products laid onto mats in great mounds- the bright colours attract if the incessant cries to buy, do not bring you closer to look. Different sections separate sellers of all kinds of sweets- the area for turkish delight draws me near. Various flavours or rose scented, and stuffed with an assortment of pistachio nuts, almonds and colours like a rainbow- the choice is mind blowing. We eat and buy, taste and taste. Our bags now bursting with produce.
COVERED MARKET OR OLD BAZAAR: This is where you buy anything else. Again sectioned by products, you can spend several days traversing in, and beyond into nearby streets that continue to stretch the market beyond its inner boundaries. If it is shoes you want, or leather goods, or carved items, copper articles, or pottery- you will find no better choice. I purchased my ‘must-haves’ –a carved copper tray with ring and chain attached to hold up the tea-set which included the pot and several little copper cups. An embroidered leather covered water jug, some quaint pointy-toed sandals, a handful of blown glass bowls and fabrics.
CARPETS: Everywhere you go it seems someone owns a carpet shop. Continually urged to ‘visit my best carpet stall or shop’ we found ourselves sitting down to learn about the art of carpet making. How the dyes are made, counting the stitches to ascertain if this is a ‘good’ quality carpet, the lightness of silk rugs and the stories behind the hundreds of designs available. In between we drank cups and cups of ‘te’, We had intended to purchase a carpet on our travels but having visited about 10 stores and becoming more confused – the idea of choosing a bukhara or a baloush (I am using phonetic spelling!)..was rethought.
At one vendor’s shop, he asked us what we were looking for- and before I could stop myself, I heard my voice saying ‘it’s only for my cat’!
Without a word, the owner dashed away, we heard much rustling of paper- upon returning, he, placed a small package wrapped in brown paper in my lap saying ‘this is from me for your cat’.
Totally surprised and not wanting to be impolite by tearing open the package, we made our exit- rushing back to the hotel to open this unexpected gift. I found inside the parcel an exquisite sample-a two foot square of pure silk carpet. Well I was both shocked and grateful for the vendor’s generosity who although missing out on a sale, saw fit to offer a gift for my cat.
When I returned to London and put the mat down, my cat Tigger immediately settled down onto it- obviously he knew and appreciated its value….
….more tomorrow….
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