Magnificently situated on The Golden Horn, Marmara Sea and The Bosphorus, Istanbul strides Asia and Europe. Here;s what others have said about the city: “If one had but a single glance to give the world, one should gaze on Istanbul.” Alphonse de Lamartine “If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.” Napoleon Bonaparte “All other cities are doomed, but I imagine that as long as people exist, Constantinople will exist.” Petrus Gyllius “Either I conquer Istanbul or Istanbul conquers me.” Fatih Sultan Mehmet “İstanbul is a magical seal which unites Europe and Asia since the ancient times. Without a doubt, Istanbul is certainly the most beautiful place of the world.” Gerard De Nerval “People were right when they say there is no other place on earth as beautiful looking as Istanbul.” Chateaubriand
Istanbul's most famous landmark, the Sultan Ahmet Mosque.
A window in Topkapi Palace.
A room for receiving guests, Topkapi Palace.
Another beautiful room in Topkapi's haram.
Turkey has produced exquisite tiles for centuries.
Built in the 1600s, the Blue Mosque, is unusual for having six minarets.
Aya Sophia is massive even today. Imagine what a site it was 1500 years ago!
Rustem Pasha mosque is free of the crowds which come to the blue mosque.
Tiles on Istanbul's Rustem Pasha Mosque.
Also by Ottoman architect, Sinan, the Rustem Pasha mosque is smaller and more ornate than its larger famous cousin, the Sultan Ahmet mosque.
A couple rest on the steps of a mosque.
Asian Istanbul viewed from a ferry reveals a wondorous skyline.
The quality of these 1500 year old mosaics will rock your socks off. Aya Sophia.
Gladiators v Tiger, Roman mosaics.
The best part of Istanbul famed bazaar!
Turkish food, such a delight for those coming from Iran, as we did.
A gladiator, Roman mosaic.
Sultan Ahmet Mosque, one of the world's great buildings, viewed from another, the Aya Sophia.
Cured meats and other delights in the bazaar.
Courtyard of the blue mosque.
A customer samples some cheese in the bazaar.
Interior os the Sultan Ahmet Mosque.
A city with one building like the Aya Sophia would be blessed. A minue walk away is the Sultan Ahmet mosque as well.
This gorgeous domed ceiling could be in Topkapi Palace, or the Rustem Pasha mosquel. It was a long time ago!
