Our hotel was in a great location in the old part of Istanbul. We were a short walk from the Blue Mosque, the Hippodrome, Aya Sofya, and the grand bazaar. When we wanted to get to the other side of Istanbul (Egyptian Bazaar & Boshporus), we would take the tram seen below. It was always crowded with standing room only and 98% locals.
We walked everywhere around Istanbul. When walking through some residential neighborhoods, we ran across this interesting man above. He didn't speak English, but was gracious enough to pose for us.
A train coming down the street in front of Sultanhamet I's Mosque.
A walk across town brought us to the ancient aqueducts which used to bring water to the Topkapi palace. There still is around 1,000 ft left standing.
Yerebatan Sarays (Basilica Cistern) above.
Sometimes referred to as the Sunken Palace, the Basilica Cistern
was actually the reservoir for the prodigious quantity of water required for the
Byzantine Great Palace, and it is thought to date back to the reign of Justinian
in 532. It is a huge structure, measuring 140m (460ft) long and 70m (230ft)
across, and it still contains a few feet of water over which wooden walkways
have been constructed for visitors. The atmosphere is enhanced by low, eerie
lighting and classical music. Many of the 336 columns supporting the
cathedral-like ceiling have been recycled from pre-Christian temples which
explains the Medusa heads that are used as column bases, which can be seen near
the exit.
A view of the local shoe factories across from our hotel room in Istanbul. We were in the shoe district in Istanbul. I was amazed that Sheila didn't buy any shoes.