Istanbul part 1 - Hagia Sophia, pet bazaar, and spice market,

April 2, 2013

We left Finike early with our airport transfer and for $40.00 CAD each we were on a wide body jet with Turkish airlines. We were served a meal and drinks and arrived in Istanbul in the afternoon. We hopped on the Metro and arrived in Sultanahmet. Our hotel (Ambassador Hotel) was within walking distance of many of the top sights in Istanbul. In fact from the rooftop terrace we had a spectacular view. 

view of the Blue Mosque from the rooftop terrace

same view

Hagia Sophia Royal Mosque in the distance

Hagia Sophia Royal Mosque behind Paige

Blue Mosque

Blue Mosque in the distance

The hotel offered a wonderful breakfast with a variety, there was something that everyone liked (bonus). For every new traveller the chef produces a special plate. 

the special plate prepared by the chef

Turkish crow looking for a snack

the chef and Jordan

We decided after breakfast to head down to the Hagia Sophia Royal Mosque to check it out. From 537 - 1453 it was a Greek Orthodox Basilica. In 1453 Constantinople was conquered by the Ottoman Turks and the Basilica was transformed into a Mosque. For more information here is a link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hagia_Sophia.

outside the main entrance were some stones

the main entrance

one of the many ceiling domes

one of the many Islamic features added when the Basilica was converted to a Mosque

inside another dome

upper balcony

intricate carving at the top of a column

one of the many marble columns

a shot of a chandelier in front of the scaffolding they are using to restore/repair portions of the Mosque

so much marble

we loved the intricate carved stone

view up to the ceiling of a beautifully painted image of a bird woman

closeup shot

the Omphalion - place of the coronation ceremony of the Eastern Roman Emperors

marble walls

crazy stone carved tablets adorning the columns

marble indentation great to check on how tall the girls are.....

We found the tile mosaic markings very interesting. The Greek Orthodox church and the Buddhist faith have these symbols in their places of worship. It is sad that they are now associated with hate, fascism and a horrible part of the worlds more modern history.

the Sultan's Lodge - a special place reserved for the ottoman Sultans for Bayram and Friday prayers and also special nights of religious significance (Kandils). Made by Fossati Brothers between 1847 and 1849, during the reign of Sultan Abdülmecid

a shot through a window to the other side

Sultan mAhmud I's Library - it has a Reading Room and Library (Hazine-I Kütüp). Decorated with16th and 18th century Iznik, Kütähya and Tekfur Palace tiles. It was built in 1739 by Sultan Muhamud I.

Wooden Stairs - Hand-made portable stairs used in the restoration and cleaning of the Ayasofya. It was made in  the late 19th century, with some later additions in the early 20th.

Marble jars - Marble jars were used on special days to distribute water and sherbet. It belongs  to the Hellenistic Period (4-3 centuries BC) and is made of monolithic marble. It was brought by Sultan Murad III (1574-1595) from ancient Pergamon.

humungous doors that allow entry and exit from the main floor  into the mosque

many patterns of marble

entrance to the upper floor

first walkway

switchbacks up to the second floor

small arched windows

stones that make up the floor

almost to the top

waiting patiently

up close shot of one Islamic medallion

Empress Lodge - the lodge where the Empress followed religious ceremonies during the Eastern Roman Empire

exquisit carving in the marble door

The Marble Door 6th Century - The door separates the section where there were the private chambers of the Emperor  (metatorion) and meeting place for the Church members

Mosaic panel 13th Century Deisis - Christ in the middle - John the Baptist on the right and Virgin Mary on the left.

what the original mosaic looked like

The Viking Script 9th Century - The engraved inscription was written by a Viking Imperial guard of the Eastern Roman Empire

view from upper level

painting on the ceiling

view of the Blue Mosque minarets 

Tombstone of Henricus Dandolo - It is believed to be the tombstone os the Venetian Doge Henricus Dandolo who came to Istanbul and died here after the fourth crusade (1204)

peak-a-boo view of the Blue Mosque

view of the Blue Mosque

the tablet below the window with the view of the Blue Mosque

Mosaic Panel 12th Century - Virgin Mary in the middle, Child in her arms, Emperor John II Komnenos on the left, his wife the Empress Elrene on the right, their son Alexis above the buttress. The Emperor and his wife donating money to the Hagia Sophia.

incredible stained glass windows

more intricately carved tablets

heading back to the main floor

there is a place to put your thumb in the column and when you twist your hand, you make a wish

The Weeping Column - the column has been the subject of various legends and it is believed to be sacred

Synod Decisions - a stucco copy of decisions taken in the Synod Assembly (Spiritual Assembly) that met in Hagia Sophia in 1166

a carved bell in the main hall as we exited

Sarcophagus of the Empress - it is believed to belong to the Empress Elrene, the wife of Emperor John II

cafe outside the Hagia Sophia enjoying the beautiful weather

Ottoman Horizontal Sundial

ablution area for the Hagia Sophia to cleanse before praying

Fountain (Shadervan) - water facility built next to the mosques for ablution. It was built in 1740 in the period of Sultan Mahmud I.

opposite side from the street of the Hagia Sophia

another view

water spout

Later in the day we walked down to the spice market. Before entering this area we noticed the pet Bazaar area. It comprises of many pet shops interspersed with plant/veggie shops. Paige noticed a pet store that had bulk bins of bird food that the pigeons were taking full advantage of. I could only go into one shop and see the animals. I find it hard to see them all waiting for homes but the hardest part for me is knowing that many will end up on the street or worse. It was an interesting experience none the less.

We then entered the spice market and noticed how crowded it was. Not too many tourists but many Turkish people. It was Sunday and many Turkish families use this day to spend time with their families.

woohoo, free food

spice market

outside portion of the market

loads of spices hanging and ready to sell

packaging up coffee, this was a popular store with a long line outside

a shot up the street

largest kunefe I have seen yet - this is a Turkish delicacy: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kanafeh

let the eating begin

yum

plethora of dried fruit

mounds of powdered spices

refilling one of the spices

hmmm, candies

Turkish delight

another outside shot

There was always police present wherever we went making us feel as safe as one can feel. There were tourists about but not as many due to the issues happening. This made our visit pleasant as there were very few if any lines to see these sites.

Follow our video adventures on our YouTube channel: Video adventures of s/v Element

Finike's first ever Portakali festival (orange festival)

March 26, 2016

On Saturday morning, the winds calmed down from Friday's blow making Finike, Turkey's inaugural annual orange festival a huge success.

The girls and I headed to the market for our usual produce restock, on our way we walked along the beach front and took photos of the "orange" structures before the parade and throngs of people. We also caught a glimpse of the "orange" floats that were being readied at the stadium for the parade later in the day.

We arrived back to the boat when Sude (our Turkish friend) approached us to see if we are going to the festival. She and her friend invited us to attend the festivities with them. Off we went again speaking in broken Turkish and English. We ended up on the main street near the market (along with a ton of other people). 

One of the marina dogs "Little" followed us and was a bit traumatised with the throngs of people and the loud noises so Paige was a little pre-occupied. The parade started 40 minutes late which worked out perfectly for us as we got great seats along the route. There were marching bands, farm equipment, dancers, silk scarfs being handed out and fresh oranges being tossed. Paige accidentally got hit in the head by the oranges but the flavour and juiciness made up for it as these were some of the best tasting oranges we have eaten. 

Sude introduced us to several of her teachers along the way. We also ran into one of Paige's volleyball teammates Isinsu. She tagged along with us for the rest of the day. After the parade passed us we followed along behind it to the waterfront. It was chaotic to say the least. Once we had our fill we said goodbye to Sude and her friend and headed back to the marina for some quiet time.

We had good intentions of returning for the evening festivities but were so tired that we didn't go back. 

"orange" structures near the beach

Turkish flag made out of oranges

Finike's logo

pre-parade float shots

we found out later in the day that our friend Isinsu's school decorated this heart

arriving to the beach as the parade was entering

from left to right: Isinsu, Sude, Jordan, Paige and Sude's friend

up close and personal with the "orange" structure

Ataturk painting

Little crossing to find Paige

the floats stopped along the waterfront

the girlish on the float

friends

waterfront shot

Snow White taking a selfie (she was in the parade)

so many people

Little safe in Paige's arms

Follow our video adventures on our YouTube channel: Video adventures of s/v Element

Safety in Finike, Turkey

I have had several people ask about our safety while living in Turkey.

Life here has been full of wonderful people. When we first arrived in September, 2015 we were stared at a lot being foreigners in a truly Turkish community with little to know tourism. As time has passed we have been welcomed whole heartedly into schools, homes and the community.  From being served tea at the pharmacy to being offered tea at the local hardware shop. We have been treated with the utmost respect and with open arms. It will be hard to leave this wonderful part of Turkey.

The locals here live simply. It is an agricultural area and has some of the best produce I have encountered. Our meals are so full of wonderful fresh food.

It saddens me to hear of the unrest that this country is dealing with in other areas and that is spreading to other parts of the world.

It is so full of history from the Lycians, Romans and Ottomans. We just can't see it all. The weather has been nothing short of spectacular and the cost of living extremely reasonable.

Follow our video adventures on our YouTube channel: Video adventures of s/v Element

St. Patrick's Day

March 17, 2016

We spent St. Patrick's day in Finike celebrating with our cruising community. Our friends on s/v Elusive are Irish and spearheaded the potluck celebration.

Joan and Greg decorated the porthole. The food was provided by all of the live-a-boards and friends. We had the biggest turn out yet. The food ranged from Guinness and beef stew, minestrone soup to pizza and was amazing yet again. Our little community sure can put on a spread.

decorations care of s/v Elusive

the start of the food (including a green whiskey cake)

feasting Irish style 

face paint and all 

our Swedish friends, green hair and beer included

Follow our video adventures on our YouTube channel: Video adventures of s/v Element