Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

A few photos from my last visit to Istanbul which may be my favorite city to visit. On a rainy evening after dining at at open air restaurant I ventured to the Hagia Sophia for a pic without the typical crowds. The Hagia Sophia was constructed in 537 as the Patriarchal Cathedral (Eastern Orthodox) and was later converted to a Mosque after the Ottoman invasion. In 1935 the secular Turkish Government designated it to a museum and in recent years has been the most visited site in the city. In 2020 fundamentalists pressured the government to convert it back into a Mosque. Hopefully they won’t again cover the mosaics of Christ they have spent decades restoring. Near the Hagia Sophia is the Hippodome which was a circus and below was the Basilica Cistern which served Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century. The trolley (#410) was built in 1914 in Germany and serves the Taksim-Tunel line. The line is the second oldest subway (1875) second only to London’s Underground (1863). Few pics of the Grand Bazaar (including wife checking out the gold) contrasted with the crowded merchant streets that locals frequent. Love the fresh pomegranate juice and of course the water closets. On my IPad the photos seem dull unless downloaded.

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mundy-F2 Loc: Chicago suburban area

The markets there are almost as nice as India, which may be more colourful. Nevertheless, a beautiful place to visit, and one I like myself.
Mundy

mundy-F2 Loc: Chicago suburban area

The only public WC I have seen with extra wrapped TP.
Mundy

ELNikkor

Great photos and story! Very surprised at the "Everybody watch me do my duty." WC. Wonder what the rationale is behind the lack of privacy?

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Nice coverage, looks very crowded!

Delderby Loc: Derby UK

Excellent picture book of Istambul

Irvingite Charles Loc: Irving, Tx

rattydaddy Loc: Harrisburg, NC

Great shots, I love seeing and taking street photography.

RustyM

Very nice!

MSW

i really like the one with the fruit

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

Very nice and interesting images from Istanbul especially those made at night.

Mac Loc: Pittsburgh, Philadelphia now Hernando Co. Fl.

Very nice.
When I was in the US Navy during the late 1960s we stopped in Istanbul. Visited the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia. It was fascinating.

kpmac Loc: Ragley, La

Nice set.

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

Thanks, I tested the area and he couldn’t see in the stall areas. Thought he was interesting. He provided hand washing upon exit.

Effate Loc: El Dorado Hills, Ca.

Yes Istanbul is 13-14 million population and is said to be the only city half in Asia and half in Europe.