And finally. The number one thing to see in Istanbul is the Hagia Sophia!!!
Even if you don't go inside, which has long lines, and many tourists-
you MUST get your picture out front.
It was/is one of the seven wonders of the Ancient World.
It was the largest, and only of it's kind for over 1000 years before anything close was built again.
It is incredible. Dedicated in 360.
It is so hard to imagine all the history that this building has seen.
It is without a doubt, the crown jewel of Istanbul.
I could go on, and I initially uploaded WAY too many pictures for this post, so I had to cut it down.
I'll let the pictures speak for themselves.
Inside the grand dome
This is an excellent shot of the Christian artwork next to the Muslim.
No place on earth quite like it!
The marble on this doorway was so worn down. This is the stuff I love.
Noah and Miles waving from inside
more pics, and more pics
Another shot of Miles, receiving the usual adoring attention from many strangers
Love my boys
A different view in the main hall
This is the coronation square-where they crowned the Emperors
Just the three of us!
(we never took Porter and Ronan inside, I know. bad parents)
oh well, we made sure they saw the outside though.
They are not so much in the "being good at museums" phase right now! ha.
the floor was perhaps my favorite thing
I absolutely love the marble patchwork that resulted
from years of different repair jobs I suppose?
this is my favorite ceiling. it is in a hallway from the main dome out towards the baptistry.
I really am digging the orange/turquoise color scheme here-
don't know why, but I am just loving it right now!
another side view
Mommy and Miles on a different visit.
At least we gave the baby some culture!
My favorite arches
There is a GIANT door that is pretty awesome
I love all the ancient symbols.
One last view of the inside.
It is just beautiful, inside and out and has incredible history. An architectural wonder in it's day, and still today. It's unbelievable that it is still standing like it is!
We feel very lucky that we were able to see it, and mark it off the bucket list of things to see in life!
And there you have it.
Our Top 10.
We have had such a great experience here in Turkey. We've seen so much, and it was hard to pick our ten favorites. A great city that we would recommend to anyone!!!
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