Turkey, last day, day 7

Day 7 begins in Iznik - ancient Izmir, where the Nicean council took place. First we visited the Hagia Sophia - not THE Hagia Sophia, but another one. It is part church and part mosque.

 

 

 The carpeted are is the mosque part:

 

 

Then we take a lovely walk down to the water which is the site of Constantine's palace. There we discuss the Nicean creed and the truths WE know about the Godhead and God's plan for us because of the restoration of the gospel. It is a beautiful setting for some inspiring words.

 

 

 

 

 

We head back to Istanbul today, so we take a ferry back to the European side. I always love the ferry rides. :)

 

 

 

The only official stop today is THE Hagia Sophia. Of course of utmost importance is a restroom stop. Want to know where the ladies' restroom is?

Follow the line:

 

Hagia Sophia means "Holy Wisdom." It was originally an orthodox church. When the Ottoman's conquered Istanbul they converted it into a mosque. Today, it is a museum.

Down below these people are some remains from the Christian church.

 

 This is the ceiling above the entrance to the rotunda:

 

This marks the Center of the World - Istanbul in the Hagia Sophia. Who knew? ;)

 

 This column capital is a mix of corinthian [leaves] style and ionic [scrolls] style:

 

This photo shows the interesting mix between Islam and Christian beliefs. Fortunately, the Turks did not destroy the Christian paintings, only plastered over them - which preserved them. :)

 

Beautiful window:

 

 The Sultan's box where he could come to pray and worship and be protected from assasins:

 

 View of main level from second level:

 

Beautiful preserved mosaics:

 

 

 

After the Hagia Sophia closes we have 2+ hours of free time. Kent and I went to see some Sultan tombs next door. The tiles, windows, and woodwork inside each were breathtaking!

 

Tomb #1:

 

 

 Ceiling:

 

Windows and tiles:

 The tombs:

 

 

Tomb # 2:

 Tile work:

 

Windows:

From the outside:

 

 Tomb #3:

 

Carved shutters: 

 

 Windows, tiles, awesomeness!

 

After our lovely tour of the tombs, we just wandered some fun streets, bought some ice cream, and sat in a park! In the past we've done some shopping - not so much anymore - we'd have to figure out where to put it once we got home!

 

 

This is the street we walk up to get to our restaurant for our last dinner in Turkey. Lots of fun!

 

What is NOT fun is the rest of the trip. We get to the airport around 9:00 pm. Our flight leaves at 12:55 am and by the time we land, get our luggage, go through passport control, and drive back to the Center - it is 4:00 am! AAAAAAAGH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Can you say "brain dead"? Is it worth it? Ask me in a couple of weeks. :)