{"id":6183,"date":"2017-05-21T23:37:42","date_gmt":"2017-05-21T23:37:42","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/?p=6183"},"modified":"2017-05-21T23:37:42","modified_gmt":"2017-05-21T23:37:42","slug":"turkey-1-istanbul-city-blue-mosque-hagia-sophia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/2017\/05\/turkey-1-istanbul-city-blue-mosque-hagia-sophia\/","title":{"rendered":"Turkey 1 : Istanbul City – Blue Mosque & Hagia Sophia & more!"},"content":{"rendered":"

Turkey<\/strong><\/p>\n

Is Turkey Asia or Europe country? \u00a0Turkey is located where Asia meets Europe and geographically has land on both continents but 97% of it lands is sit on the Asian side.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Istanbul – biggest city in Turkey<\/strong><\/p>\n

Istanbul is the only city in the world that connects two continents, Europe and Asia. \u00a0That is why you would normally stop at Istanbul Airport when flying to Europe from Asia or vise versa. \u00a0Istanbul is also the largest city but not the capital of Turkey.<\/p>\n

Blue Mosque \/Sultan Ahmed Mosque<\/strong><\/p>\n

Blue Mosque is the most popular and historic mosque in Istanbul! \u00a0The first place we rushed here once we arrived in Istanbul after over 10 hours of flights.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

You may wonder why it is called as blue mosque as there is not a hint of blue at the exterior building. \u00a0However once you walked inside you would understand why as you would see striking blue tiles. \u00a0Another special features for Blue Mosque is the 6 minarets\/tower instead of the usual 4 minarets. \u00a0Sorry my picture above only show 4. \u00a0You should spot 6 minarets\/towers.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Blue Mosque is the place to worship not a museum. \u00a0Women has to cover their whole body to enter the mosque. \u00a0My advise to the woman is always bring along a scarf with you when travel in Turkey. \u00a0You can use it to cover your neck when it is cold or use it to cover your head when you enter the mosque. \u00a0When I entered the mosque I was shocked at the beauty of the mosque, beautiful ornaments and blue tiles.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

You have to take off your shoes when entering this mosque and was given a plastic bag to carry your shoes with you. \u00a0One of the nicest mosque I have ever seen so far.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

St. Sophia Museum (Hagia Sophia)<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is interesting to know that Hagia Sophia began as a church and later turn into a mosque for 500 years. \u00a0Today it serves as a museum in Istanbul.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

In the museum today that we see, there are both Islamic and Christian influences and features. \u00a0The 4 minarets\/towers were being added after the church turned into mosque as more Islamic features were added slowly.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Turkish calligraphy in Hagia Sophia museum<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Hagia Sophia means Holy Wisdom<\/strong><\/p>\n

Since this is a museum now so there is a fee to pay, 40TL (USD $11). \u00a0It is also walking distance from the Blue Mosque. \u00a0You could do two in a day. \u00a0For Blue Mosque, the entrance is free as it is still a mosque.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Egyptian Obelisk in Istanbul<\/strong><\/p>\n

This piece of art was originally carved between 1500-1400 BC in Egypt. \u00a0It was transported down to Istanbul and sit in a public square which is normally crowded with musicians, streets performers and tourists. Most people don’t really know about this monument but the history is quite outstanding. \u00a0The word “obelisk” in the Greek language refers to protection, defense and stability. \u00a0Observe the interesting animal pattern craved in the tapering, looks very Egyptian.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Topkapi Palace<\/strong><\/p>\n

Topkapi Palace is the largest and oldest palace in the world to survive to this day. \u00a0There is a museum inside the Palace which houses many rare treasures which include one of the worlds most valuable diamonds at 86 carats. \u00a0It is nice to just have a glimpse at the 86 carats diamond.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

There is a pavilion where you could see Prophet Mohammed tooth, hair from his beard. \u00a0Visitors beside me were trying very hard to smile his hair which is already been covered by the glass panel.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Get to know Turkey more<\/strong><\/p>\n

Turkey\u00a0has land borders with eight different countries and its coastline runs around three different seas: the Black Sea, the Sea of Marmara and the Aegean Sea! \u00a0The currency is\u00a0Turkish lira, I only changed some Turkish Lira for snacks and apple tea, the Turkish famous drinks, the rest of my purchased are spent in USD.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Turkey 1 : Istanbul<\/strong><\/p>\n