Istanbul 29 -30 Jun 2022

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey and is among the 15 largest urban areas in the world with a population of over 15 million. Because of its size, Istanbul extends into both Europe and Asia. The city is the world’s only metropolis to be on more than one continent. Though Istanbul may have been inhabited as early as 3000 BCE, it was not a city until Greek colonists arrived in the area in the seventh century BCE. These colonists were led by King Byzas and settled there because of the strategic location along the Bosporus Strait and named it Byzantium. Later As part of the Roman empire it was renamed Constantinople , and it became the capital of the Byzantine Empire in the 400s. Sultan Mehmed II on May 29, 1453, conquered Constantinople and its name was changed to Istanbul.

Misc

Various photos from our hotel and various spots in Istanbul

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Sultan Ahmet (Blue) Mosque

The Sultanahmet Mosque has a significant place in the famous silhouette of Istanbul as seen from the sea. Known as the "Blue Mosque," its real name is the…

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Sultan Ahmet Square

The Hippodrome today takes its appearance from the three remaining columns which have been raised 4-5 meters from the ground. The monuments are arranged in a…

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Hagia Sophia

The church was dedicated to Theia Sophia, the second element of the Christian trinity, Holy Wisdom. The word Hagia Sophia, which was later named after, is…

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Night Tour

A couple hours after our day tour, right after a quick stop for a PCR test, we met our guide Oguz. He took us on a walking tour exploring the food and night…

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Ship Views

Once on board and start of the cruise - many pictures of our slow departure from Istanbul

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Topkapi

Magnificent Topkapı (literally "Cannonball Gate")  Museum is the big one, the most important museum of Turkey and the Balkan Peninsula. It is an…

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