Aya Sofya was built in the 530's by the Byzentine Emperor Justinian. After the Ottoman Turks conquered Constantinople in 1453, it was converted into a mosque. In 1935, it was converted into a museum. Some of the Christian imagery suvived nearly 500 years while the building was used as a mosque.
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This mosaic from about 1261 has the Virgin Mary, Christ and John the Baptist.
This mosaic from 1122 features the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, emperor John II Comnenus and empress Irene.
This mosaic, from the 11th century, features the Christ, emperor Constantine IX Monomachus, and empress Zoe.
Among things you don't see often, Virgin Mary and child (from 867), flanked by huge medallions of Allah and Muhammad.
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This mosaic from about 1261 has the Virgin Mary, Christ and John the Baptist.
This mosaic from 1122 features the Virgin Mary with the Christ Child, emperor John II Comnenus and empress Irene.
This mosaic, from the 11th century, features the Christ, emperor Constantine IX Monomachus, and empress Zoe.
Among things you don't see often, Virgin Mary and child (from 867), flanked by huge medallions of Allah and Muhammad.
I think this was Laleli Camii, but I'm not sure. There are so many mosques, it is difficult to tell which is which.
Inside Laleli Camii?
Inside Aya Sofya
Inside Sultanahmet Camii (Blue Mosque)
Inside one of the sultan mausoleums. I have no idea which one.
Whitney
more Whitney
lots of Whitney
Whitney
someone doesn't like Whitney
Trying to take a photo of one of the minarets thru the window of Ayasofia.
Trying some kind of oyster on the streets of Istanbul. I didn't get ill, so it was ok.
Smoking a nargile (hooka) at the Sultan Cafe. I didn't inhale, as I didn't want to cough all night.
I don't know when or where this photo was taken.
Playing my flute in Kapadokya.
