Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>It's the beginning of June, and I couldn't think of a better post to start off the month with, then this delicious recipe for Chocolate Ice Cream. </b>This is a rich and decadent ice cream, that uses real dark chocolate as well as cocoa powder, and is so smooth and silky, that it simply slides down in your mouth.</div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>click on the images for a bigger view</i><br /> <i><br /></i></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9KYXk-YquHzqM-BYzifp4pJ8HhnT0NmEb48oGn2lefmmea8idSB5gNHLHfa9_zEdLOSulwGo5HIkoH_YJ_0oXqrf5BHQD-h71Wf1KasN5uXvbUyLNKYbo-F-HRty1WqmiOPr2FFQus0/s1600/IMG_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl9KYXk-YquHzqM-BYzifp4pJ8HhnT0NmEb48oGn2lefmmea8idSB5gNHLHfa9_zEdLOSulwGo5HIkoH_YJ_0oXqrf5BHQD-h71Wf1KasN5uXvbUyLNKYbo-F-HRty1WqmiOPr2FFQus0/s1600/IMG_15.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <b>The ingredients are few and simple:</b><br /> - 5 egg yolks<br /> - 150 gr (3/4 cups) sugar<br /> - 470 ml (2 cups) milk<br /> - 360 ml (1 1/2 cup) cream<br /> - 40 gr (1/3 cup) cocoa powder<br /> - 150 gr (5 ounces) chocolate (i used dark chocolate with 70% cocoa solids)<br /> - Pinch of salt <br /> - Splosh of rum (optional)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0miIyjq9MU4klHNfNEMCnhTKPH6-holYGqrGErwEfk_DfeBeC6Wd25HALJfEEQx9ERaiEuCTbVYyLXZYSPYFLjQb_FyaUONi_6_1Sc8_5uj1kPMYBFw9HS2r3WRS38ZKqiv-3WSFSH4/s1600/IMG_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgY0miIyjq9MU4klHNfNEMCnhTKPH6-holYGqrGErwEfk_DfeBeC6Wd25HALJfEEQx9ERaiEuCTbVYyLXZYSPYFLjQb_FyaUONi_6_1Sc8_5uj1kPMYBFw9HS2r3WRS38ZKqiv-3WSFSH4/s1600/IMG_02.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> You could use a mixture of dark and milk chocolate. This is really to your taste. Be creative! You can even put while chocolate chips into the finished custard in the end! </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgex2Dq6hhLzKejJMy7MY7EjKXwzwMdvuZ5FIITVJleUdK8fMKuhAiJ2-0HevwVsQv4Z41rlm9fWdNu_E3tLemLWMHfO1c92qBF1r4zX8m_EYG6NC6YOvrY1GQxd8tIOWCfqWQNxXKKnuU/s1600/IMG_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgex2Dq6hhLzKejJMy7MY7EjKXwzwMdvuZ5FIITVJleUdK8fMKuhAiJ2-0HevwVsQv4Z41rlm9fWdNu_E3tLemLWMHfO1c92qBF1r4zX8m_EYG6NC6YOvrY1GQxd8tIOWCfqWQNxXKKnuU/s1600/IMG_03.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> Sift your cocoa powder, to remove any lumps that love to hide in it. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTz9uzN7nXF8HbZ32MAO0Rx4HjmIJDG7WAOBuMXrHhUQ_EzSRlf03_XwuYqLTWvU2-bg8gvPypz4vo8UrvbaX-IWzntF3Ep-Q780UNZk_XcDtJOCxXYenJrsH_AGZ4tBiwgPHb_7hSjM/s1600/IMG_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCTz9uzN7nXF8HbZ32MAO0Rx4HjmIJDG7WAOBuMXrHhUQ_EzSRlf03_XwuYqLTWvU2-bg8gvPypz4vo8UrvbaX-IWzntF3Ep-Q780UNZk_XcDtJOCxXYenJrsH_AGZ4tBiwgPHb_7hSjM/s1600/IMG_04.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In a saucepan put in the milk, cream, and cocoa powder, and stir until it's combined (may take a minute). Cook on medium heat until small bubbles form on the sides. Don't let it come to a boil. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNv1uBkslonS6r3xj9FPLoYguhfQVGqMrmxwW8bVlPxAGK4p_1OkVci4c0m-fun5Ntw9U0HUHWmRZ4-WqO9oV1ZqWrLoaWCrN7kLWwA0vIxYDX3GM8PhOozzVUx-_eQxL-6wXrReYr5M/s1600/IMG_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoNv1uBkslonS6r3xj9FPLoYguhfQVGqMrmxwW8bVlPxAGK4p_1OkVci4c0m-fun5Ntw9U0HUHWmRZ4-WqO9oV1ZqWrLoaWCrN7kLWwA0vIxYDX3GM8PhOozzVUx-_eQxL-6wXrReYr5M/s1600/IMG_05.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> While the milk and cream mixture is heating, combine the sugar, pinch of salt, and eggs. and beat with an electric mixer until pale and creamy, for about 5 minutes. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL9O_7GSGhVALEd5hP2NHqxN97xdL0-pehfxp76jA800hrqUqkh8Lw0qvdAS1k4zOsjTXlhnpfk8sdqLf1QX-8QiFHoqWEOG6SmQif8MM6l5pxsld1PSHBqRGfKzFv-booaz578axGmk/s1600/IMG_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEL9O_7GSGhVALEd5hP2NHqxN97xdL0-pehfxp76jA800hrqUqkh8Lw0qvdAS1k4zOsjTXlhnpfk8sdqLf1QX-8QiFHoqWEOG6SmQif8MM6l5pxsld1PSHBqRGfKzFv-booaz578axGmk/s1600/IMG_06.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Pour some of the milk and cream mixture into the eggs and sugar mixture and beat immediately to temper the eggs. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bfGsFnwtgJLwwfzkMbtCpZ0mP5EfqzFRIuihxR2fRBmZW5QiOw-JQVaq8FIZ3zg4wmt-ISp5ITnbm8ddzeItFF9DBEA_yogsX8sAmgbWjvI7E5FJp8oqhaBA9hgtjwzteoIalb1qTEk/s1600/IMG_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1bfGsFnwtgJLwwfzkMbtCpZ0mP5EfqzFRIuihxR2fRBmZW5QiOw-JQVaq8FIZ3zg4wmt-ISp5ITnbm8ddzeItFF9DBEA_yogsX8sAmgbWjvI7E5FJp8oqhaBA9hgtjwzteoIalb1qTEk/s1600/IMG_07.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Pour the egg and sugar mixture back into the saucepan and cook on low heat for 5 minutes, or until the custard is cooked and you can run your finger on the back of a wooden spoon that has been dipped into it, and the lines stay separate. That's how you now that the mixture has thickened.  </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vrXhzn_IB3AI7iLh1bF_vKhZAgmZo2UaZtsLVPi9lguQmnSM-92ax9u-dTVF9f0jCR2WGHJMmaDnQ6irLgv0R_DiS4PZpgN6MHRFric19BUZ6jwmxsSah9a6tt8N_WKsVrgOLvnyTgw/s1600/IMG_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4vrXhzn_IB3AI7iLh1bF_vKhZAgmZo2UaZtsLVPi9lguQmnSM-92ax9u-dTVF9f0jCR2WGHJMmaDnQ6irLgv0R_DiS4PZpgN6MHRFric19BUZ6jwmxsSah9a6tt8N_WKsVrgOLvnyTgw/s1600/IMG_08.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> Strain the finished custard, let it come to room temperature. <br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxZRwllg4wBOI3mydABEgpQImfzzemnn9GO81VkmATtlgd39pJVu-dSWUzw6-mCa5V-VQ2jq4n4ALs3D2BGm3SxcO4dQhnOQdgGAKsPEtxN8mTsaZkXlbYMs5slmEDc6IVWp0dv40yCE/s1600/IMG_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXxZRwllg4wBOI3mydABEgpQImfzzemnn9GO81VkmATtlgd39pJVu-dSWUzw6-mCa5V-VQ2jq4n4ALs3D2BGm3SxcO4dQhnOQdgGAKsPEtxN8mTsaZkXlbYMs5slmEDc6IVWp0dv40yCE/s1600/IMG_09.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Optional: You can add a splosh of rum or rum extract and <a href="http://cdpbthemeday.blogspot.com.au/" target="_blank">zest this up</a>! It goes well with chocolate, and also alcohol never completely freezes which gives your ice cream a creamy texture throughout.  </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNhXjyL9-t7jgPqMp3BilR9i1iwWH6BG-UEzWGHNWDtulit7ZoZ-3PlzNMMSwBGeMJc0oJrCLl4QEUxE7UrFrzmlF_2DJGZwW9tpYO7opbaXL2RefOEIvbxBSTeYXGRnO4jack6xCIjA/s1600/IMG_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcNhXjyL9-t7jgPqMp3BilR9i1iwWH6BG-UEzWGHNWDtulit7ZoZ-3PlzNMMSwBGeMJc0oJrCLl4QEUxE7UrFrzmlF_2DJGZwW9tpYO7opbaXL2RefOEIvbxBSTeYXGRnO4jack6xCIjA/s1600/IMG_10.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Make sure to chill the inside of your ice cream maker over night as well. Everything needs to be cold to proceed. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7CG9uBgy3ncgvtg9zgHaVs3F3u5m9CpcpkTQoaI3Zadv-5DSSPtwxwB0u94cfapiSyV1VVQ3A0BMYGGXs99po-k3ORk9dJg9R4UkmI0W836gpWGP0d3skIl_GFhdMj9I9kbE2rFLvfU/s1600/IMG_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV7CG9uBgy3ncgvtg9zgHaVs3F3u5m9CpcpkTQoaI3Zadv-5DSSPtwxwB0u94cfapiSyV1VVQ3A0BMYGGXs99po-k3ORk9dJg9R4UkmI0W836gpWGP0d3skIl_GFhdMj9I9kbE2rFLvfU/s1600/IMG_11.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Put the custard into your ice cream maker and freeze acording to your manufacturer's instructions (mine took 25 minutes). </b><br /> <b><br /></b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <u><b>Tip if you don't have an Ice Cream maker:</b></u> If you don't have an Ice Cream Maker don't be alarmed. You can make this without one (even though It won't taste quite the same). The trick is, once you pour the mixture into the airtight container in the end, take it out of the freezer every 30 minutes for the next 5-6 hours and give it a good stir. That way you'll get rid of the ice crystals that stop the ice cream from being creamy.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1iKTHFdV3UEeFLsv8gZTlSGCUsj-Le94P16qwSE_bVYfIwzjsHNnJ06_gg3AzpzZI47WxtJHG73RaZYVdprOGbFBapw3PaHPC5f5KFhjy_woU-dvXCdqtm9uq5cxJCZ0Jc6BYS6bYLo/s1600/IMG_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1iKTHFdV3UEeFLsv8gZTlSGCUsj-Le94P16qwSE_bVYfIwzjsHNnJ06_gg3AzpzZI47WxtJHG73RaZYVdprOGbFBapw3PaHPC5f5KFhjy_woU-dvXCdqtm9uq5cxJCZ0Jc6BYS6bYLo/s1600/IMG_12.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-v7jWqUXeF9KuvZnPv-hLK2oAXMzvOMjiufF42SsZOmivfTR9I7_ZuSZ8t4f-2kJv9uJPp7OWpFt6XF0nACsKfRcuAZJ-bMbnD5oVpLoQHhAt4f0l8KnLARTG-8oPUuZLHW8APodBH4/s1600/IMG_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj-v7jWqUXeF9KuvZnPv-hLK2oAXMzvOMjiufF42SsZOmivfTR9I7_ZuSZ8t4f-2kJv9uJPp7OWpFt6XF0nACsKfRcuAZJ-bMbnD5oVpLoQHhAt4f0l8KnLARTG-8oPUuZLHW8APodBH4/s1600/IMG_13.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Enjoy this lovely and rich ice cream in the summer months. It's a great desert for dinners as well, and you can very the chocolate that goes inside to your liking.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtfO4i1Ge3HQAvBvGH3wSzFZBP-yPL7-hKLBG03FnuoMOqfYVXvjA_ezeH-z9AG9UvjMDyWTVlXouRlNuHWZZmrPVOp5nBN9Uyr40NGkRu7y5diBcoM8X_amg6vyx9J9MaFrBr_Rx7Iw/s1600/IMG_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRtfO4i1Ge3HQAvBvGH3wSzFZBP-yPL7-hKLBG03FnuoMOqfYVXvjA_ezeH-z9AG9UvjMDyWTVlXouRlNuHWZZmrPVOp5nBN9Uyr40NGkRu7y5diBcoM8X_amg6vyx9J9MaFrBr_Rx7Iw/s1600/IMG_01.jpg" /></a></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRs4kqHvmZPSOFDxJpy8dtfAwRfixlMutUnYgWM7TCMAYj93b_ThCIPJh0c1ISPIYxt9Ay_5lC74YVlvZkV3JkAhLT-WavejS1uJeiiQJO_0vUiNEPW4hsSTOSnWXHfKwl5AtBL8ioL1Y/s1600/IMG_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRs4kqHvmZPSOFDxJpy8dtfAwRfixlMutUnYgWM7TCMAYj93b_ThCIPJh0c1ISPIYxt9Ay_5lC74YVlvZkV3JkAhLT-WavejS1uJeiiQJO_0vUiNEPW4hsSTOSnWXHfKwl5AtBL8ioL1Y/s1600/IMG_16.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Other Ice Cream Recipes on this Blog are</b>: <a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2013/09/french-vanilla-bean-ice-cream-recipe.html" target="_blank">French Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe</a> and <a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/03/strawberry-ice-cream-recipe-weekend-post.html" target="_blank">Strawberry Ice Cream Recipe</a>.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Thanks for stopping by and enjoy!</b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> Let me know what you think of this in the comments below.</div> </div>

Chocolate Ice Cream Recipe

It's the beginning of June, and I couldn't think of a better post to start off the month with, then this delicious recipe for Choc...

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Dreams of the Orient: Visiting Istanbul

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>We are going on the road again. And this time, I will be taking you to Turkey, or to be more precise my sister will. </b>This next series that will be uploaded is actually her travel log.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> She visited Istanbul, Turkey recently, and made lots of images, that I was editing for her, and we thought about sharing them here as well. The<span style="font-family: inherit;">re are many things to see and discover in this city, from old mosques, all way to the </span><span style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">Bosporus</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 18.200000762939453px;">. </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">That's why I truly hope you will enjoy the sights and stories that will come.</span></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Part One will be uploaded tomorrow, that's why I wanted to write this post, to let you know. Stay tuned!</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>click on the image for a bigger view</i></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LrF_A7Zc22hXRfHnpd6pdNWs_nnia8h7aUtRCWAQiFlXMMigrZPgFpm2Tr4kiNzNuK2FE9qutxIPqfwpUKEIBb3pNYp5KXqA2wkpiRHpRrW9Nv1uO9CcKp2FGtMgZSkLKPCLxot60cI/s1600/IMG_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8LrF_A7Zc22hXRfHnpd6pdNWs_nnia8h7aUtRCWAQiFlXMMigrZPgFpm2Tr4kiNzNuK2FE9qutxIPqfwpUKEIBb3pNYp5KXqA2wkpiRHpRrW9Nv1uO9CcKp2FGtMgZSkLKPCLxot60cI/s1600/IMG_01.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b>See you tomorrow!</b></div> </div>

Dreams of the Orient: Visiting Istanbul

We are going on the road again. And this time, I will be taking you to Turkey, or to be more precise my sister will. This next series that...

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Visiting Istanbul [Part 1/3]: The Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>Welcome to a new</b><b>photo series, that will take us to the south-east of Europe and the south-western tip of Asia: Istanbul. </b>My sister Jasmina made the trip recently and came back with lots of images of this, breathtakingly beautiful place. Even though I didn't make the photos in this series, after editing them for her, I thought that it would be a shame not to share them.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>This is a multi part series. Other parts include: </b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/06/visiting-istanbul-part-13-blue-mosque.html" target="_blank"><b>Part One: </b>The Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar</a></div> <a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/06/visiting-istanbul-part-23-topkapi-palace.html" target="_blank"><b>Part Two:</b> <span class="st">The Topkapi Palace</span><b> </b></a><br /> <a href="http://www.mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/06/visiting-istanbul-part-33-cruise-along.html" target="_blank"><b>Part Three:</b> A Cruise along the Bosporus</a><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>click on the images for a bigger view</i> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> In this first part I will show you the Blue Mosque or The Sultan Ahmed Mosque. It is a historic mosque that is popularly known as the Blue Mosque, because of the blue tiles adorning the walls of its interior.</div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The first image up is actually the<b> Hagia Sophia</b>. From the date of its construction in 537 until 1453, it served as an Eastern Orthodox cathedral and seat of the Patriarchate of Constantinople, <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-mw112_1-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Sophia#cite_note-mw112-1"></a></sup>except between 1204 and 1261, when it was converted to a Roman Catholic cathedral under the Latin Empire. The building was a mosque from 1453 until 1931. It was then secularized and opened as a museum on 1 February 1935</div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHmH_7F0je0XToAbRL4mDlNBp45GtvqmbB1I0wW2-_KjbOgiFUj8uOO1KBwyWzUeHrOtZYUH1AQAkqdMw7rn1hctfdZff626bpBRLjlfNR62xvc9S3SepnueXvNLQubILQqtdfb_VtAg/s1600/IMG_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHmH_7F0je0XToAbRL4mDlNBp45GtvqmbB1I0wW2-_KjbOgiFUj8uOO1KBwyWzUeHrOtZYUH1AQAkqdMw7rn1hctfdZff626bpBRLjlfNR62xvc9S3SepnueXvNLQubILQqtdfb_VtAg/s1600/IMG_01.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> On the same big square where the Hagia Sofia is located you will also find the entrance to the Blue Mosque. A <b>heavy iron chain</b> hangs in the upper part of the court entrance on the western side. Only the sultan was allowed to enter the court of the mosque on horseback. The chain was put there, so that the sultan had to lower his head every time he entered the court to avoid being hit. This was a symbolic gesture, to ensure the humility of the ruler in the face of the divine.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2yJgyB4ExucF0xBzx-zCzVwO02uz6d_a4dp_MmJJ69g-eBiF0_dXkLvRkBif_0xVg4aPzEneZ8x89vPhuVxuItIEY6TAaxJNn4o05edkfHTE3cfrkeqM5EeeCl3Qyw-y1ye94WZusdk/s1600/IMG_02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb2yJgyB4ExucF0xBzx-zCzVwO02uz6d_a4dp_MmJJ69g-eBiF0_dXkLvRkBif_0xVg4aPzEneZ8x89vPhuVxuItIEY6TAaxJNn4o05edkfHTE3cfrkeqM5EeeCl3Qyw-y1ye94WZusdk/s1600/IMG_02.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDc2zneU9oefIgPYAPNRSiKeWMkjNJFKYTUyEWAyKZetAqefDBiRnk9lcxyOKFeNnJBfDfMwstuP6VNqLlSKPR8HWVB1erzjsNxY3la9CVnbJyKJUSeOTYLDQAKeurpsn1kfZGaIGY_o/s1600/IMG_03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnDc2zneU9oefIgPYAPNRSiKeWMkjNJFKYTUyEWAyKZetAqefDBiRnk9lcxyOKFeNnJBfDfMwstuP6VNqLlSKPR8HWVB1erzjsNxY3la9CVnbJyKJUSeOTYLDQAKeurpsn1kfZGaIGY_o/s1600/IMG_03.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Sultan Ahmed Mosque has<b> one main dome, six minarets, and eight secondary domes</b>. The design is the culmination of two centuries of Ottoman mosque development. It incorporates some Byzantine Christian elements of the neighboring Hagia Sophia with traditional Islamic architecture and is considered to be the last great mosque of the classical period. It was quite the undertaking in constructing this mosque.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mGYaXb2zd7WzpvPpBrsamQXplqqabhlJIkQ_wiZELMCIsoxner0uRhgBz7MkykJuSeQeqhkdooiVY05BGY1yY0v5cWGaEDlnrr6u8P4uCZ96Gg2I1RXDi4y0LoLkAW6bsbQxM2pWPH0/s1600/IMG_04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1mGYaXb2zd7WzpvPpBrsamQXplqqabhlJIkQ_wiZELMCIsoxner0uRhgBz7MkykJuSeQeqhkdooiVY05BGY1yY0v5cWGaEDlnrr6u8P4uCZ96Gg2I1RXDi4y0LoLkAW6bsbQxM2pWPH0/s1600/IMG_04.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWprfM7ROan-d5nqBN0j9fT8-bOTew71AILk43trOQidPGAieyR3b-FZ1EubpIJ40-EP8ItZcMvATLh357I2f75R8dvInKmvBz1Q061yMTGwUSnYCKsly_xqRzQkS373v4pKxjUeLMWM4/s1600/IMG_05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWprfM7ROan-d5nqBN0j9fT8-bOTew71AILk43trOQidPGAieyR3b-FZ1EubpIJ40-EP8ItZcMvATLh357I2f75R8dvInKmvBz1Q061yMTGwUSnYCKsly_xqRzQkS373v4pKxjUeLMWM4/s1600/IMG_05.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMmmxqeHM9K3DCIxr_nFSh16rbJU4tH4KzRTz-RAZNKHuZ2xvEJLoWgch3REqmn767RdRImMJO8VR4H8gF9BFMzKHdIUvLy2kuiCn0PAxlhtchdQCq4Bmxu7Q58AGFBTYzAZ3AK0oq9s/s1600/IMG_06.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMmmxqeHM9K3DCIxr_nFSh16rbJU4tH4KzRTz-RAZNKHuZ2xvEJLoWgch3REqmn767RdRImMJO8VR4H8gF9BFMzKHdIUvLy2kuiCn0PAxlhtchdQCq4Bmxu7Q58AGFBTYzAZ3AK0oq9s/s1600/IMG_06.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> The court is about as large as the mosque itself and is surrounded by a continuous vaulted arcade.<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAoNm3RddPMWwEvN2j2LmKr33S8TPj5u4IjBohnAKMTXAUchS85mAmZNcihaBpvWfXaAfVlyPyqYgwD88ow3SlUYrvOZCYkfY0ayycmZdPnzKrn8wz-3B2t5ErN9Vm8nnMhtHDc4ZWKY/s1600/IMG_07.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwAoNm3RddPMWwEvN2j2LmKr33S8TPj5u4IjBohnAKMTXAUchS85mAmZNcihaBpvWfXaAfVlyPyqYgwD88ow3SlUYrvOZCYkfY0ayycmZdPnzKrn8wz-3B2t5ErN9Vm8nnMhtHDc4ZWKY/s1600/IMG_07.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTLM5YVJcYx7JAi-hhzMFkQteaWQXqBl3Otm_hXVjV0IhWljVglN9xqAG0szmAwEisUv0IL0-ZNxVMSHMCpQwRxP_F_fQzbn81-toFvOrjjMXVN59KZLvj9SL-j9t_OM7oJJnagKm-tM/s1600/IMG_08.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjTLM5YVJcYx7JAi-hhzMFkQteaWQXqBl3Otm_hXVjV0IhWljVglN9xqAG0szmAwEisUv0IL0-ZNxVMSHMCpQwRxP_F_fQzbn81-toFvOrjjMXVN59KZLvj9SL-j9t_OM7oJJnagKm-tM/s1600/IMG_08.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdB496iZInUeekKyGUxPwMsQMN2uKfTA9S8M4iFpdV51LxotXPTygbX-fnUspkjss6vWrjf7qPSxmrsHgm-9ZCJVYZm7IxB2MsvLTP008vjHQj6lDE9KTzL2VF4A5PHDUYvVHCwWIVx0/s1600/IMG_09.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNdB496iZInUeekKyGUxPwMsQMN2uKfTA9S8M4iFpdV51LxotXPTygbX-fnUspkjss6vWrjf7qPSxmrsHgm-9ZCJVYZm7IxB2MsvLTP008vjHQj6lDE9KTzL2VF4A5PHDUYvVHCwWIVx0/s1600/IMG_09.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HZ971VanAgH_HkW9F5tHWioGGvmNC4HCzzBB-cRD3ykk7ZnvOsL2m1HVUr466XkCVURAJFFi1_xHCNkL9gsatMZyPYYxMUiKkjZFG5fm0PAhOHH9I98d1S-FzUoVogN3OSCILh0MpyM/s1600/IMG_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1HZ971VanAgH_HkW9F5tHWioGGvmNC4HCzzBB-cRD3ykk7ZnvOsL2m1HVUr466XkCVURAJFFi1_xHCNkL9gsatMZyPYYxMUiKkjZFG5fm0PAhOHH9I98d1S-FzUoVogN3OSCILh0MpyM/s1600/IMG_10.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWADkXcHne5ZVV2lwNopDqHJ-RbcmAncjAnf8d35P__I0yDd1b6xNqUFNO_87n7yqY-DlKsQnOp0Goz0tpScsAslLUxNN9FLwm4desRSHeXvYfbxukXIYir913ctHEE0INGeHKVVo1Hk/s1600/IMG_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWADkXcHne5ZVV2lwNopDqHJ-RbcmAncjAnf8d35P__I0yDd1b6xNqUFNO_87n7yqY-DlKsQnOp0Goz0tpScsAslLUxNN9FLwm4desRSHeXvYfbxukXIYir913ctHEE0INGeHKVVo1Hk/s1600/IMG_11.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UXWNDbElQ-Bfp3V75xH8c1hDtuF7umGIkrohd66vtm-YFKRIRiaHnfbHdOe1M28ybXD8-MCdK-9X8nEtPTjLjrNj_NxZDbPQhX8JeGi3youAsQ0EuNE6Eq49qY-Os_VFAILwbN10264/s1600/IMG_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1UXWNDbElQ-Bfp3V75xH8c1hDtuF7umGIkrohd66vtm-YFKRIRiaHnfbHdOe1M28ybXD8-MCdK-9X8nEtPTjLjrNj_NxZDbPQhX8JeGi3youAsQ0EuNE6Eq49qY-Os_VFAILwbN10264/s1600/IMG_12.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>The coloured glass for the windows</b> was a gift of the Signoria of Venice to the sultan. Most of these coloured windows have by now been replaced by modern versions with little or no artistic merit, as you can see in the lower part of this next image.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdVsNBJ5iw5JCPcXBQSSjHBVlspGKgFCzp2YqgzCyUqQeD3d3AhQ0jYXz6rGIcXvLenjrzqn541wdpkqR3u6-NiW6i2b1Zlv21XJA0Eg6UiWtB4Q7rA1hhTC3Sa5LPgKRnaEv5T71Kuo/s1600/IMG_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmdVsNBJ5iw5JCPcXBQSSjHBVlspGKgFCzp2YqgzCyUqQeD3d3AhQ0jYXz6rGIcXvLenjrzqn541wdpkqR3u6-NiW6i2b1Zlv21XJA0Eg6UiWtB4Q7rA1hhTC3Sa5LPgKRnaEv5T71Kuo/s1600/IMG_13.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> At its lower levels and at every pier, <b>the interior of the mosque is lined with more than 20,000 handmade ceramic tiles</b>, made at Iznik (the ancient Nicaea) in more than fifty different tulip designs. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyx79f6zLTT7JttBLMGHznNdsBx8nnjrtOz7KuazqyUk-lUDFSQ_3deN6_e2PjcU6gEOgAWkxaKIFRgD6JjQNKirHU2A0Oqb69h3w50EEG_Wq-gYk1hUalTKhX3P1F9MZl9QE0ovuLbg/s1600/IMG_14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyyx79f6zLTT7JttBLMGHznNdsBx8nnjrtOz7KuazqyUk-lUDFSQ_3deN6_e2PjcU6gEOgAWkxaKIFRgD6JjQNKirHU2A0Oqb69h3w50EEG_Wq-gYk1hUalTKhX3P1F9MZl9QE0ovuLbg/s1600/IMG_14.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The many lamps inside the mosque were once covered with gold and gems. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-6"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Ahmed_Mosque#cite_note-6"></a></sup>Among the glass bowls one could find ostrich eggs and crystal balls. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-7"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sultan_Ahmed_Mosque#cite_note-7"></a></sup>All these decorations have been removed or pillaged for museums.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDUNNmZHekX8fnHSGjLLitjN8z4rMRAqPMxFR2zPo5GeaDmsCL936g6wkFxZwL0y82hcI6MzXSEqRKQ2eqEtlwL9ilfOiuKfjRrhQITvB8YG0rJAd34PAlurWGTaEWbfoNGCgyjjk_mk/s1600/IMG_15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlDUNNmZHekX8fnHSGjLLitjN8z4rMRAqPMxFR2zPo5GeaDmsCL936g6wkFxZwL0y82hcI6MzXSEqRKQ2eqEtlwL9ilfOiuKfjRrhQITvB8YG0rJAd34PAlurWGTaEWbfoNGCgyjjk_mk/s1600/IMG_15.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOALQQdgqFLUphzcJPuJ1d1bzjXmXokVhRyWfX_VH5Xq5195A8PyS4xS_KUM54n1Nuw-bQdjo7stzR4UrCT2gJZn_4IVHaTzXQp5nXoHb1UhNFMHvsk9GD_RQeQLTOe08tgtaU9PpP3YU/s1600/IMG_16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOALQQdgqFLUphzcJPuJ1d1bzjXmXokVhRyWfX_VH5Xq5195A8PyS4xS_KUM54n1Nuw-bQdjo7stzR4UrCT2gJZn_4IVHaTzXQp5nXoHb1UhNFMHvsk9GD_RQeQLTOe08tgtaU9PpP3YU/s1600/IMG_16.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hk107Sx__VHArZ8QSdS6JgeS_QeC3ikXqQwtlhAMb5QIj0eTvCynvY4y1qTloX4_3cK_KBAlttJbJp9hlBwUG-VD4jZ-xfQeUR-d0wMtgmNiwRZy1ICFJUfWzt67eLMjMusAheu-psQ/s1600/IMG_17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7hk107Sx__VHArZ8QSdS6JgeS_QeC3ikXqQwtlhAMb5QIj0eTvCynvY4y1qTloX4_3cK_KBAlttJbJp9hlBwUG-VD4jZ-xfQeUR-d0wMtgmNiwRZy1ICFJUfWzt67eLMjMusAheu-psQ/s1600/IMG_17.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Another popular tourist destination is the <b>Grand Bazaar </b>which is located inside the walled city of Istanbul. The construction of the future Grand Bazaar's core started during the winter of 1455/56, shortly after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7lS-U1ZjEYApknBRcaHmqaWfWarDlnHJ_UkMww9XRlPhiDnlqc_UIp64Kek5Oz9bMGq2L8iaPhNsspqwmCHcHIbynz2bwT1F3qJ0vLD4ahhHjjnUnTxNzC8A7bnDp4_Qvmj5_TBnjdU/s1600/IMG_18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr7lS-U1ZjEYApknBRcaHmqaWfWarDlnHJ_UkMww9XRlPhiDnlqc_UIp64Kek5Oz9bMGq2L8iaPhNsspqwmCHcHIbynz2bwT1F3qJ0vLD4ahhHjjnUnTxNzC8A7bnDp4_Qvmj5_TBnjdU/s1600/IMG_18.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa3avJvCYcc1abzjqrLzOikPWZyW7VC8HOgS5C22ffXWU7qqHiFDxSOPylgHsLIgZK0etJvkOrlbmiRD0wL00zfVtg14mFF_jT-af5iUYB2D429P3Mp43is_d_6wAgjXeXs3QJeltRZk/s1600/IMG_19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYa3avJvCYcc1abzjqrLzOikPWZyW7VC8HOgS5C22ffXWU7qqHiFDxSOPylgHsLIgZK0etJvkOrlbmiRD0wL00zfVtg14mFF_jT-af5iUYB2D429P3Mp43is_d_6wAgjXeXs3QJeltRZk/s1600/IMG_19.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Today the Grand Bazaar is a thriving complex, employing 26,000 people <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-dn1_39-0"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Bazaar,_Istanbul#cite_note-dn1-39"></a></sup>visited by between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily, and one of the major landmarks of Istanbul. <sup class="reference" id="cite_ref-gba_4-1"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Grand_Bazaar,_Istanbul#cite_note-gba-4"></a></sup>It must compete with modern shopping malls common in Istanbul.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDEtkDvasVekyOWgNoABnQCqM4qjOZEBusGW8-GYehOXInIFpf9-g4BQeRmQa8i2aoLvsLazk1L3AbaLwy2DlrbgECDTKtDvYddEdW0HtHHyyJ_uUhRih0PUWywKKhKFIjf6qSaNEVMI/s1600/IMG_20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioDEtkDvasVekyOWgNoABnQCqM4qjOZEBusGW8-GYehOXInIFpf9-g4BQeRmQa8i2aoLvsLazk1L3AbaLwy2DlrbgECDTKtDvYddEdW0HtHHyyJ_uUhRih0PUWywKKhKFIjf6qSaNEVMI/s1600/IMG_20.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiC1IkkFv4aRIstX9khug6EVJ7-nqfHco1D2RhB4vJK4XhOrFOL4UMRmp1W9TN1IRZdm4yDu_CnmegsAy28i65VwDe5GNPLo-FGMrCBgkn0xyHHtc4XbyS_0Q6iKpZ02HSAIa1qDEvCY/s1600/IMG_21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfiC1IkkFv4aRIstX9khug6EVJ7-nqfHco1D2RhB4vJK4XhOrFOL4UMRmp1W9TN1IRZdm4yDu_CnmegsAy28i65VwDe5GNPLo-FGMrCBgkn0xyHHtc4XbyS_0Q6iKpZ02HSAIa1qDEvCY/s1600/IMG_21.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b>End of Part One</b></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> To be continued... <i></i></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i><br /></i></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <b>I hope you all enjoyed part one. The next part called "The Topkapi Palace" will take us to the grand sultan palace, situated above the city of Istanbul, from where you can get a great look at the whole city. </b></div> </div>

Visiting Istanbul [Part 1/3]: The Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar

Welcome to a new photo series, that will take us to the south-east of Europe and the south-western tip of Asia: Istanbul. My sister Jasmin...

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Visiting Istanbul [Part 2/3]: The Topkapi Palace

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>We continue our stay in the Orient. In part two I will show you the Topkapi Palace</b>, which is<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> a large palace in Istanbul </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;">that was the primary residence of the </span>Ottoman Sultans<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; line-height: 22.399999618530273px;"> for approximately 400 years (1465-1856) of their 624-year reign.</span></span><b> </b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <b>This is a multi part series. Other parts include:</b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /> <a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/06/visiting-istanbul-part-13-blue-mosque.html" target="_blank"><b>Part One: </b>The Blue Mosque and Grand Bazaar</a><b> </b></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/06/visiting-istanbul-part-23-topkapi-palace.html" target="_blank"><b>Part Two:</b> <span class="st">The Topkapi Palace</span></a><br /> <a href="http://mersad-photography.blogspot.com/2014/06/visiting-istanbul-part-33-cruise-along.html" target="_blank"><b>Part Three:</b> A Cruise along the Bosporus</a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: center;"> <i>click on the images for a bigger view</i><br /> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> A view from the Topkapi palace on the rest of Istanbul. The palace is located up hill and offers up a great view of the city and the Bosporus.  </div> </div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvNwmhQjB7gJwaj1okf7gXy028AWxZK3qkKCQbssH8iJgDS6R4RWVjBxvENl5xuPepR-DV2mK8v46YCy4sAjNKXkdlj6DeTsQy1irY0sk2km2e4rOlBrP1vXvfbzPV8yH64t0zqF3PBI/s1600/IMG_22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCvNwmhQjB7gJwaj1okf7gXy028AWxZK3qkKCQbssH8iJgDS6R4RWVjBxvENl5xuPepR-DV2mK8v46YCy4sAjNKXkdlj6DeTsQy1irY0sk2km2e4rOlBrP1vXvfbzPV8yH64t0zqF3PBI/s1600/IMG_22.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="more"></a><br /> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span lang="EN-US">The Gate of Felicity is the entrance into the Inner Court, also known as the Third Courtyard, marking the border to the Outer Court or Birûn. The Third Courtyard comprises the private and residential areas of the palace. The gate has a dome supported by lean marble pillars. It represents the presence of the Sultan in the palace.<o:p></o:p></span></div> <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;"> <span lang="EN-US"><br /></span></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK4HwgvmBV_jDTzKKZMwdk_lnA7CLyeYxfn9eRH-6xRdJr-pxq11luLC6qk2wgnemcLEZUF0SXRE1_nAyLG14sN9KlbylbagQPRP_3Wjmc7zcAYFhecyPnuJioSsOVQTK-Wb5d4NqSEQ/s1600/IMG_23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimK4HwgvmBV_jDTzKKZMwdk_lnA7CLyeYxfn9eRH-6xRdJr-pxq11luLC6qk2wgnemcLEZUF0SXRE1_nAyLG14sN9KlbylbagQPRP_3Wjmc7zcAYFhecyPnuJioSsOVQTK-Wb5d4NqSEQ/s1600/IMG_23.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> It also houses dogs, who are sleeping carelessly in the royal gardens :)<br /> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyBLJH5J-xC45Libh7qOWBKvP40bbdJyGaiwvokBWtjG1jUwIujdjUqPoqrvfhqekPEU5wCUwlVNgVjLLFwL47UP1DTAapY8d6BiWc1keRM_UepPLbuV_UbBKlnAN6Mx9Rsr7GhYsIBM/s1600/IMG_24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuyBLJH5J-xC45Libh7qOWBKvP40bbdJyGaiwvokBWtjG1jUwIujdjUqPoqrvfhqekPEU5wCUwlVNgVjLLFwL47UP1DTAapY8d6BiWc1keRM_UepPLbuV_UbBKlnAN6Mx9Rsr7GhYsIBM/s1600/IMG_24.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The main street leading to the palace is the Byzantine processional Mese avenue, today Divan Yolu (Street of the Council). The Mese was used for imperial processions during the Byzantine and Ottoman era. It leads directly to the Hagia Sophia and takes a turn northwest towards the palace square where the landmark Fountain of Ahmed III stands. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9kJPb9E19WGnKGMOM8fPgPg42Uku5kratcPb8_ta24GnzHjEikvB7Jt2mFHpXFo1WOozS6oJr2GsehduWUUJZzM6hOY33Zo8Zq0C2ti_qF_khtlbfYLhoTsT44sv-W3kA3SVF_HbcRA/s1600/IMG_25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9kJPb9E19WGnKGMOM8fPgPg42Uku5kratcPb8_ta24GnzHjEikvB7Jt2mFHpXFo1WOozS6oJr2GsehduWUUJZzM6hOY33Zo8Zq0C2ti_qF_khtlbfYLhoTsT44sv-W3kA3SVF_HbcRA/s1600/IMG_25.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjtEnRw0oPtI0RxQBJXTw7q_WuaSdviIDV2kivsgh86j_95PjYkLsVTzpFJNS78jZtWqdruKYbw3NoxnaveyuronhIkfgVMOvi6aWgDy3ljuMRFmGLtJ_Q3OM5TbH5nEFtC8fDMfO9l0/s1600/IMG_26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZjtEnRw0oPtI0RxQBJXTw7q_WuaSdviIDV2kivsgh86j_95PjYkLsVTzpFJNS78jZtWqdruKYbw3NoxnaveyuronhIkfgVMOvi6aWgDy3ljuMRFmGLtJ_Q3OM5TbH5nEFtC8fDMfO9l0/s1600/IMG_26.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The palace complex is located on the Seraglio Point, a promontory overlooking the Golden Horn and the Sea of Marmara, with a good view of the Bosporus from many points of the palace. The site is hilly and one of the highest points close to the sea. </div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://www.yurtopic.com/travel/locations/images/famous-palaces/Topkapi-Palace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.yurtopic.com/travel/locations/images/famous-palaces/Topkapi-Palace2.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: justify;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0s7VJAz2UQxWTB6RMuhTPcGGIA5IhSeVZ1yHcUYxO1AmG8GSItSTv7i2bN-CSjOp3vE8cDE5P_R8dgTM1UxAlFtknvDvB7lSwKxVTv3ig4vsZ-B7iOzSFmF1iJoBE-QMECoS00pxPhg/s1600/IMG_27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0s7VJAz2UQxWTB6RMuhTPcGGIA5IhSeVZ1yHcUYxO1AmG8GSItSTv7i2bN-CSjOp3vE8cDE5P_R8dgTM1UxAlFtknvDvB7lSwKxVTv3ig4vsZ-B7iOzSFmF1iJoBE-QMECoS00pxPhg/s1600/IMG_27.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2N1Bqb5ixRWdBECtzI44FPqm3OSCVgAv13LJDy0sEYYXgrMpu2uER7IHaV2irf1BmAtHuB_mAZmBkc98-HoxDx0NnhJyIB81dGi6jL6d2ZScoubX9LKEBMNn-DsvF3G2avryaOITaqec/s1600/IMG_28.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2N1Bqb5ixRWdBECtzI44FPqm3OSCVgAv13LJDy0sEYYXgrMpu2uER7IHaV2irf1BmAtHuB_mAZmBkc98-HoxDx0NnhJyIB81dGi6jL6d2ZScoubX9LKEBMNn-DsvF3G2avryaOITaqec/s1600/IMG_28.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Topkapi Palace was the main residence of the sultan and his court. It was initially the seat of government as well as the imperial residence. Even though access was strictly regulated, inhabitants of the palace rarely had to venture out since the palace functioned almost as an autonomous entity, a city within a city. </div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UfeN0T_6I6QkoIs6SejAYuHsOxqLtBUvAl00DN0l-v3w20OZAnG7soH4gPG68IyaokNGQv9_c0uwqw8RniMlpV5wAw9WIEjhQRA9GIvqjr7Ooh7ziX7rr3it3vfBVqARsYNV7vWVizk/s1600/IMG_29.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-UfeN0T_6I6QkoIs6SejAYuHsOxqLtBUvAl00DN0l-v3w20OZAnG7soH4gPG68IyaokNGQv9_c0uwqw8RniMlpV5wAw9WIEjhQRA9GIvqjr7Ooh7ziX7rr3it3vfBVqARsYNV7vWVizk/s1600/IMG_29.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2_-a7eCT4wGEpevINswvdK-S-rBasGBWticio4z1JEEGk49603c9itSyZdmEW5xsy_bbYAPuFwSnJDbTpp-tKwUbilfFLw86DVGXB2LIIooGMESQKE6ya1vnZXXUrzUG8kDc-hQk2VA/s1600/IMG_30.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn2_-a7eCT4wGEpevINswvdK-S-rBasGBWticio4z1JEEGk49603c9itSyZdmEW5xsy_bbYAPuFwSnJDbTpp-tKwUbilfFLw86DVGXB2LIIooGMESQKE6ya1vnZXXUrzUG8kDc-hQk2VA/s1600/IMG_30.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> A strict, ceremonial, codified daily life ensured imperial seclusion from the rest of world. One of the central tenets was the observation of silence in the inner courtyards.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCQ08k22NN72JmQg7nvMddMooHc0809R6qrDJRBwV6IiSV8rmIS-3qwn65yBF5kEFGI3r1cqBJqXGQb5aV1Ypug9wibxIZPnBPdd_nlQ7LU4vh5a2-gzbQGPzb0wmc2qcPgC-2QNHKus/s1600/IMG_31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCQ08k22NN72JmQg7nvMddMooHc0809R6qrDJRBwV6IiSV8rmIS-3qwn65yBF5kEFGI3r1cqBJqXGQb5aV1Ypug9wibxIZPnBPdd_nlQ7LU4vh5a2-gzbQGPzb0wmc2qcPgC-2QNHKus/s1600/IMG_31.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwxJhIx0lL9pf0krtH0jk3HFb9UJKJrHCF3UBoN3eu2m8WYuhxpDqFyn-qX_cJOXpcRIBH6wjj5-00s6nXYBKHGFnUAlixmxsiK4c2p7jTTYnzfXmQpLTLAYXy0yiejJ27mrgcYaQfto/s1600/IMG_32.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLwxJhIx0lL9pf0krtH0jk3HFb9UJKJrHCF3UBoN3eu2m8WYuhxpDqFyn-qX_cJOXpcRIBH6wjj5-00s6nXYBKHGFnUAlixmxsiK4c2p7jTTYnzfXmQpLTLAYXy0yiejJ27mrgcYaQfto/s1600/IMG_32.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The Audience Chamber, also known as Audience Hall or Chamber of Petitions (Arz Odası), is right behind the Gate of Felicity to hide the view towards the Third Courtyard. This square building is an Ottoman kiosk, surrounded by a colonnade of 22 columns, supporting the large roof with hanging eaves. Inside is the main throne room with a dome and two smaller adjacent rooms.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B6jO9MiMJni8lO-GxlXzlI14PwZdIf_XhLcjCAs83ZsGfGnROZo0UruYTfs0jlO4YDzJmGP2MvqfXOXyPzIh5nMo62NcuWabZdVQK8zOZTuIWB1tbBDzq3jVj1g9YhOHuw8jzJTkFNU/s1600/IMG_33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0B6jO9MiMJni8lO-GxlXzlI14PwZdIf_XhLcjCAs83ZsGfGnROZo0UruYTfs0jlO4YDzJmGP2MvqfXOXyPzIh5nMo62NcuWabZdVQK8zOZTuIWB1tbBDzq3jVj1g9YhOHuw8jzJTkFNU/s1600/IMG_33.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> The viziers came here to present their individual reports to the sultan. Depending on their performance and reports, the sultan showed his pleasure by showering them with gifts and high offices, or in the worst case having them strangled by deaf-mute eunuchs. The chamber was thus a place that officials reporting to the sultan entered without knowing if they would leave it again alive.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSL8YhhV9N8fJ70JL_PHwLf5jMoKIBS9_UvLh8WGA7TRL-hOtbThBcA6rRzUioyGq8_mgTIONLWQK-lpr45znKsV_OhKSKQH9WeVPbXZgEO4JGRzsNoGiQMSCY9uo8Bmm5YFMtdDYyYY/s1600/IMG_34.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixSL8YhhV9N8fJ70JL_PHwLf5jMoKIBS9_UvLh8WGA7TRL-hOtbThBcA6rRzUioyGq8_mgTIONLWQK-lpr45znKsV_OhKSKQH9WeVPbXZgEO4JGRzsNoGiQMSCY9uo8Bmm5YFMtdDYyYY/s1600/IMG_34.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnMla13mAX2qInTISPDIEgahpldKNvGQxtHDS8NMy5pVWF05r-FHh7kj_nZzK4JE6nIlzXBEp8jPTs3_jCwp2zZxHS23b4rTB9jEynQbbVpBdrSaMDWzbIzs0uXA-pWcfZYruxgAUfIo/s1600/IMG_35.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghnMla13mAX2qInTISPDIEgahpldKNvGQxtHDS8NMy5pVWF05r-FHh7kj_nZzK4JE6nIlzXBEp8jPTs3_jCwp2zZxHS23b4rTB9jEynQbbVpBdrSaMDWzbIzs0uXA-pWcfZYruxgAUfIo/s1600/IMG_35.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div style="text-align: justify;"> Surrounding the whole complex of the First to the Fourth Courtyard are the outer palace gardens. A part of this area that is facing the sea is also known as the Fifth Place.</div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0fp9EsLcIgU9f4rBRZImP-Gd6ANUuxrFJdTKymyf5kqqtrPPwEbDompzCwu_9WhIoqB_mBDO5HdgSmgvRU84YtCa9jEvL7u-XBSIHVfgFn8dEcNgRLoAFqqk9yh2W_AoWJVUF8gwr8o/s1600/IMG_36.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA0fp9EsLcIgU9f4rBRZImP-Gd6ANUuxrFJdTKymyf5kqqtrPPwEbDompzCwu_9WhIoqB_mBDO5HdgSmgvRU84YtCa9jEvL7u-XBSIHVfgFn8dEcNgRLoAFqqk9yh2W_AoWJVUF8gwr8o/s1600/IMG_36.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbZmxr8eXUkByV2F9AajvVO-PYsKVE4aDY0Ub8aopIgVeY1KrPFI3vqc_E9Or6a5U9Tyu2-x0jpEkm-cph-mAeNggQCtmJ46boX3N_Vlx3Dbl-2NPBRsAGeZ1ApEWr4pSExy-G3LeTtY/s1600/IMG_37.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTbZmxr8eXUkByV2F9AajvVO-PYsKVE4aDY0Ub8aopIgVeY1KrPFI3vqc_E9Or6a5U9Tyu2-x0jpEkm-cph-mAeNggQCtmJ46boX3N_Vlx3Dbl-2NPBRsAGeZ1ApEWr4pSExy-G3LeTtY/s1600/IMG_37.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWuucLOW2C-icGhj7AldjF_OfwKMkmF-RLAR4BtNyGSCJMiTHHXYLgnk_U-JJx5uOcAbozZIH6eCmpILj33g7kV1yTV0Ctj_dTfv9vdTLsRD0UwhWIcA5m8wh4Smziz08aQ9cmztu-1k/s1600/IMG_38.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJWuucLOW2C-icGhj7AldjF_OfwKMkmF-RLAR4BtNyGSCJMiTHHXYLgnk_U-JJx5uOcAbozZIH6eCmpILj33g7kV1yTV0Ctj_dTfv9vdTLsRD0UwhWIcA5m8wh4Smziz08aQ9cmztu-1k/s1600/IMG_38.jpg" /></a></div> <div style="text-align: center;"> <br /> <b>End of Part Two</b><br /> To be continued...<br /> <b><br /></b><b>In the final part which will be uploaded tomorrow we will take a cruise along the Bosporus, and see the maritime side of Istanbul, as well as various locations hidden along the coastline. </b></div> </div>

Visiting Istanbul [Part 2/3]: The Topkapi Palace

We continue our stay in the Orient. In part two I will show you the Topkapi Palace , which is  a large palace in Istanbul  that was the pr...

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