On Shanks Ponies

 

Inside Hagia Sophia

 
First stop on our itinerary was Hagia Sophia (meaning divine wisdom) where we chose to enlist the services of guide, Omer, to explain the hidden secrets of this fascinating Byzantine period building.  Emperor Justinian inaugurated the Church in 537 in an attempt to restore the greatness of the Roman Empire. Its central dome was at the time a technological wonder, allowing vast uninterrupted and richly decorated space for worshipers. Many an orange has been sliced and diced in art class to help understand the architectural significance of this domed construction. 
 

Central dome from far below

Giddy from Byzantine mosaic angels swirling above our heads, we made our way to the more sedate but no less awe-inspiring Archaeological Museum, which houses Turkey’s premier collection of antiquities. The main building was undergoing some renovation too, however enough of the collection was on show to keep us amused for many hours. 

 

We started with the Museum of the Ancient Orient where Nebuchadnezzar’s Gates of Babylon (604-562 BC) and the clay Treaty of Kadesh between the Hittites and Egyptians agreed in 1269 BC are kept.  You just have to keep pinching yourself to know you’re not dreaming.

Gates of Nebuchadnezzar

Next we visited the Tiled Kiosk of Mehmet the Conqueror (1472) a visual feast of tiles and ceramic works.  This building was once an imperial residence and we began to understand why Istanbul was famous for the opulent lifestyle of the Ottoman Sultanate.  The camera was snapping hot!

Tiled Kiosk

Tea was not served for us in these

 

After a brief break at the outdoor café, surrounded by a scattering of real ruins and real kittens, we took a deep breath and made for the front doors of the main building.  Inside a selection of classical and pre-classical artefacts – to die for… is on display.  Alexander Sarcophagus (named because it depicts Alexander the Great’s victory over the Persians), finds from the 9 different cities of Troy (could Troy VIIa be Homer’s Troy?), Greek & Roman statues, pre-historic discoveries and much, much more. Exhausted? Yes, and it’s only day 2….

Alexander Sarcophagus