Mosque-ing in Istanbul

I can’t believe I avoided places like Istanbul and Uzbekistan for so long out of pure paranoia. I just thought these Muslims enclaves were no place for White American women (I did experience India, however, in my defense).  I feel totally safe, and have met nothing but friendly conversation and occasional compliments from the men, not in a drooling, knuckles dragging on the ground kind of way, either.

Hagia Sofia is not a mosque now but was before. It keeps exchanging with the Catholics like Cordoba in Spain. Right now, it’s a church. After the next invasion it will be a mosque again. It is 56 meters high and was built in the 6th century. Another architectural marvel in this world

 

upstairs where the Sultan’s wife hung out when it was a mosque. Wouldn’t want to rub elbows with the riff raff
Domes abound in this place
I just think it’s amazing how it’s put together. It’s like stacked cupcakes

 

Topkapi palace

Not to be outdone the Topkapi palace sports some pretty spectacular splendor of its own. Bars are earthquake protection
This room thrilled me as it was one of the most opulent and well structured. It was the library. Reverence for books is ALWAYS appreciated
Finally, like all palaces let’s not scrimp on the decorations

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