Turkey: Istanbul (2009-2018)

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Aerial view over the Sultanahmet neighborhood (Topkapi Palace, Aghia Sophia, Blue Mosque) and to the Golden Horn on its right. [Photo taken in April 2018 before landing at Ataturk International Airport.]

View over the Bosphorus from the Topkapi Palace [2012]. A section of the old Byzantine Walls is visible at the bottom of the photo.

Views from a boat on the Bosphorus, under stormy weather: first, Haghia Sophia, next the Topkapi Palace, then the Suleymaniye Mosque on a hilltop [2009].

Blue Mosque [2012].

Hagia Sophia [2012].

Recently renovated Nuruosmaniye Mosque (mid 18th century) [2018].

Fatih Cami, which means the Conqueror′s Mosque [2017]. It is named after Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II, who brought an end to the Eastern Roman Empire by conquering Constantinople in 1453 at the age of 21. Originally constructed between 1463 and 1470, the mosque was rebuilt in 1771 following a damaging earthquake.

Main entrance.

Wudu (ablution) units.

Yeni Cami, which means New Mosque despite dating back to the 17th century [2012].

In Yeni Cami [2009].

Chora Church (former Byzantine church) [2012].

Frescoes in Chora Church [2012].

In the Grand Bazaar, adjacent to the Nuruosmaniye Mosque [2018].

Facades of old buildings above the Spice Bazar (left: [2012], right [2017]).

Ferries leaving from the Eminonu docks, with Suleymaniye Mosque in the background, Yeni Cami on the very left, and the entrance of the Spice Bazaar on Yeni Cami‛s right [2009].

Fishermen on Galata bridge [2009].

Fishes for sale near Galata bridge [2009].

Galata bridge and Galata Tower seen across the Golden Horn from the Eminonu docks.

Galata bridge seen from the top of Galata Tower, with Yeni Cami (New Mosque) and the Spice Bazaar on the right [2009].

Narrow streets on the way up to Galata Tower (visible in the third photo) [2009].

Alexander Sarcophogus (marble) in the Museum of Archeology [2012]. The carving depicts Alexander fighting the Persians at the Battle of Issus.

Whirling dervishes [2011].

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