This is one of the three structures left from the inside track of the Hippodrome....one of the others, a twisted pillar with 3 snakes at the top was destroyed by a drunken tourist some years ago. That is Anthony with me having our visit documented.
This is the Janissaries Band, what is left of the famous army of the Sultans - disbanded after a mutiny of the army. The drummer is particularly flamboyant; the band plays nationalistic and military works - all very dramatic!
Here, inside the enormous Bazaar - over 4000 shops - near to the equally amazing Egyptian or "Spice" Bazaar. There were literally thousands of people here; too many for us to do much actual shopping although Jim did seem to manage to get some spices and a table covering.
Outside the famous "Blue Mosque" - this is the men's side, the women's side is on the opposite side of the building. Turkey is something like 99% Muslim but it was interesting to see how few women wore head coverings other than in the Mosques themselves where it is considered good manners. The call to prayer was heard 5 times per day but it was not as though the city came to a halt for prayer - it was much like here in the U.S. - people are to varying degrees more or less religious.
The beautiful and famous Ayasofia ~ this area is all lit up at night with pastel blue and pink lights, very beautiful and much used by visitors and locals as a park for people watching, resting, snacking and by the many, many cats who inhabit the city.
