Istanbul 3

I have not forgotten that I have not yet told you about the rest of my trip to Istanbul. So here are lots of photos from the third day.We started early again as we had lots to see and do.

I loved all the Turkish flags huge and red flying everywhere in the city.

First we went to Chora Monastery which is now a museum.

 It has fantstic frescoes and mosaics in it,very well preserved.

 Saint Paul.

 My son loved playing with this cat in the church.

 Then we went to Saint Sophia(Aghia Sophia).

 It is huge and very very beautiful but unfortunately not used as a Church anymore.

 We then went underground to Yerebatan or Basilica or Justinian cistern.Not suitable for those suffering from claustrophobia,it is a magical environment of wet surfaces,draughts and cold and water running everywhere. The lights and the music add to the atmosphere.Not to be missed.

 Two huge medusa heads are under two columns in the Cistern.

The Theodosius obelisk.

 The Blue Mosque opposite Hagia Sophia is also very very big,covered inside with blue tiles and a red carpet and it is still used as a mosque.You have to take your shoes off to see it inside.

 Outside the Blue Mosque lots of street sellers sold those spinning tops which you could find everywhere in Istanbul for just a Lira(half a Euro).They are lovely with those magnificent colours and all the kids loved playing with them everywhere.

 Opposite the Blue Mosque is also the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Art. We didn't visit it but I loved the label outside.

 Tulips bloomed everywhere because of the Laleli Festival the festival of tulips.

 We then went to the covered market or Grand Bazaar or Capali Carsi.The colours were fantastic.
Silk scarves....

 Lanterns and lights....

 ....and colourful pottery dishes.

We then had lunch yaurtlu and iskender kebap.

We spent the evening with Margrit and Bulent our friends.