Jul '10 - Aug '10
Very busy day. I started on the shore of the Bosphorus to see the Dolmabahce Palace, the palace was built for Sultan Abdülmecid I in 1856. It is a mix of architectural styles; Ottoman, Neoclassical, Baroque and Rococo (believe it or not). An incredible building, unfortunately, no pictures allowed inside...the 4.5 ton chandelier is worth looking up, really stunning interiors.
Dolmabahce Camii
Dolmabahce Clocktower
Dolmabahce Palace
Istanbul University was founded in 1453 as a school "Theological and environmental sciences". This main gate used to belong to the Ottoman Ministry of War, it was designed by the French architect, Auguste Bourgeios in 1870.
Suleymani Camii. This mosque was designed by Ottoman architect Mimar Sinan (whose pupil's work I showed the other day, Blue Mosque). 2nd largest mosque in the city, it actually has the tomb of Sultan Suleiman I located on the grounds. They were renovating it when I was there so unfortunately no interiors of the main space itself, I did however get a shot of Sultan Suleiman's tomb.
The Aqueduct of Valens was constructed by the emperor Hadrian to supply water to the city known then as Byzantium (now Istanbul). 
For those of you who know me, the last two photos will seem right at home. I love 1:1 drawings.
Turkey is at the crossroads of the Middle East and Europe, to this day its unique geographic position has brought with it tremendous conflict. It has been occupied by such diverse civilizations as the Hittites, the Trojans, Lyceans, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantine and Ottomans, finally leading to the establishment of the modern Turkish state. In the wake of these periods of occupation, architecture from each has been deposited throughout the country.
1 Comment
WOW Mark! Wish I was traveling with you. Some exquisite photos! I've not been to Turkey yet, but after viewing your photos, it's very high on my list...I've always wanted to travel to Turkey, but my destinations have always lead me astray. Hope all is well. I owe you dinner when you return to Washington. Travel safely and enjoy! I'll keep following your journey.
Best,
Bill W.
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