Favorite Touring Destinations in Istanbul Turkey Part III

Excursion through Istanbul, Turkey begins with the inspection of the most ancient part of former Byzantine Constantinople. The contemporary opinion of folks who have had the opportunity to visit Constantinople is that of consternation and enthusiasm. Upon reaching the hippodrome of Istanbul, on can view the unique Obelisk of Theodosius (390 ad), carved in Egypt around 1450 BC.

It is said that the obelisk is much bigger than it is as the erected portion of the obelisk in the Istanbul hippodrome is only the top most portion of three parts. It's such a waste to have cut it in the first place. Originally, the obelisk stood in Luxor, Egypt at the Temple of Karnak during the reign of of Tuthmosis III. Another attraction in the area is the Tripod of Plataea a.k.a. the Serpentine Column, a monument celebrating Greek victory over Persia in the 5 BC. It served as the foot of famous gold tripod in the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece then erected at the hippodrome by Emperor Constantine's orders.

I have some good information for you ladies out there from my lady. She mentioned to me that the best perfumes for ladies who can afford a little bit more expensive perfumes are Colors of Love from Guerlain, Lancome & a few others. The price of the Colors of Love is $6 less at the duty free shop in Istanbul airport than on the internet (Information correct on July 2007). Surprisingly really as I thought internet prices would be cheaper. Then again, it is duty free (tax free) price at the airport duty free shop. So when you want to get cheaper prices for perfumes, then the best place to buy them would probably be on the airplane or at the duty free shops.

Basilica Cistern Strong; Supporting Modern Istanbul

Not far from the Istanbul Hippodrome is located the underground Basilica Cistern, which the Turks call Yerebatan Saray or Yerebatan Sarn which means "fallen through palace" or "underground palace". The high ceiling of underground ancient water tank supports 336 columns. Even during the hottest days here reigns rescue coolness and music plays, & the thin streams of water percolate through the rock walls. The beauty of the city can surprise many like being in a fairytale; such a majestic impression of Istanbul.

It is amazing as the underground basilica is underneath the casual looking streets & shops. Some of the shops which of course, are supported by the ancient columns could also have their own entrances to the basilica. You may have seen the documentary of it on the Discovery Channel. Inside the Basilica, there are some columns with Medusa's sculptured head positioned upside down or on its side. Theory has it that the upside down medusa head is a symbol of paganism being defeated when it; the Basilica Cistern was built & columns were taken from Pagan temples for its construction.

Marking the Ottoman Empire Decline

Those who visited Istanbul although once can never forget the enthusiasm and concern that enveloped them at the sight of Blue Mosque which was built between the year 1609 to 1616. The views shoot up into the height minarets & enormous proportions. Numerous cupolas, striking sounds of the masses & harmony of the nuances of colors with the predominance of blue - creates an ensemble unique in beauty.

Its architect, Sedefhar Mehmet Aga was a pupil & senior assistant of the famous Turkish architect Sinan. According to history, the Ottoman Empire under the rule of Sultan Ahmed 1 had met with vigorous resistance from the Austrian & Hungarian north, Persia & soon after Europe too; picking away at the edges of the empire; an obvious sign that the Ottoman Empire was beginning to fall. The Blue Mosque; also called the Sultan Ahmed Mosque was not built with war booty because of the lack of it unlike other buildings erected during the reigns of the Ottoman Sultans before Ahmed 1 (1590-1617). Hence it is unfortunate for such a beautiful building be erected at the age when the Ottoman Empire was beginning to wither.