What you've all been waiting for....Sultanahmet

Us at the Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya)-Istanbul's "trademark" landmark

Remember that time that we did indeed move to Istanbul? Well, it was a while ago. And remember that time that tons of people kept asking me if we had done the major "touristy" things yet? Well, the answer is yes! (and we'll just say that it was a "little while ago" too). This post documents our first trip to the Old City,or more accurately known as the area of Sultanahmet. These sites are so completely awesome, historic, and large in nature that I felt that the posts describing any of our major adventures deserved it's own good time on the blog. Fall and winter were so crazy busy for us, with multiple things to post on that I decided to wait until nothing else too much was going on. You know, to give all of you blog faithful something good to munch on! Besides, this stuff is timeless. Always amazing.

The Hagia Sofia has come a long way, since it was dedicated in 537AD by the Emperor Justinian. It was built in only 6 years, and it's huge central dome was the largest in the world for 1,000 years until St. Peters in Rome. It was converted into a mosque in the 15th century, and then into a museum in 1934. It has survived numerous wars, earthquakes, and empires... and is still one of the most important architectural wonders of the world! Then to top it all off, now it offers FREE WI-FI!

We ate lunch at this delicious little Indian restaurant that has spectacular views of the Aya Sofya. You can't beat a fantastic meal and fantastic views!

(Ronan with the Aya Sofya in the right-hand corner)

Better view from the restaurant

The Blue Mosque is the other main attraction of Istanbul.

It was built directly across from the Hagia Sophia (and directly over the Byzantium Royal Palace) as a way of shaping the new Islamic way of life as compared to Christian Byzantium. It was completed in 1616AD and has 6 minarets. Most mosques only have 4, but when the Sultan asked for gold (altin-in Turkish) ones, the architect thought he said six (alti). No other mosque in the world but Mecca had six. (and from what I have heard they have since added two more there because of this, so it still has the most)

It is really beautiful as well-and named for it's thousands of blue tiles that line it's domes. Now, we did not enter either building this day because of wanting to keep it relatively light for the kiddos. No worries though...there will be special posts for the insides of those to come.

Now, here with our friend's darling little daughter is what our family might have looked like if we were to ever get a daughter!! Of course, we still love our boys...but we'll just borrow her and pretend for a while! Here we are sitting in the center of the Ancient Hippodrome of Constantinople. You can just imagine all of the chariot races going on in circles around us! The "central line" was/is decorated with 4 great monuments (3 of which are the following pictures) and I like to think that directly behind us was perhaps a good spot where the 4th used to be. There used to be 4 great bronze horses as the 4th great monument, but they were looted by the Crusaders in 1204 and are now displayed at St. Mark's Cathedral in Venice.

A "length" shot of the center of the Hippodrome

The Column of Constantine Porphyogenitus

not quite as pristine as the Egyptian one, but still very awesome

and great with kids apparently- all smiles!!

Next we have the Serpent Column, taken from the Temple of Apollo at Delphi in Greece. This actually has one of the longest written histories of an artifact (being referred to in multiple early texts), and used to be a trident shape at the top with 3 intertwined serpent heads. There are actually inscriptions as well on some of the coils with the names of the Greek city states. A very cool history if you feel like reading more about it for sure.

Now this last one, the Egyptian Obelisk is my favorite. Constructed in 1500 BC, it was transported by Constantine from Luxor. It is still in incredible shape!! Seriously, they knew what they were doing I guess!

From what I understand it was erected here in Constantinople in 390 AD.

A perspective shot-it's quite tall compared to our little family

(and btw, every single one of us is above average in the height category)

Anyway, there you have it. A first look at the gems of Istanbul. Hopefully posts like this will wet your appetite to come and visit! Remember, this is just a taste. Much much more to come, and our doors are always open!