Drove North from Selcuk (ancient Ephesus) through the Biblical cities of Pergamum, Assos and Troas to Canakkale on the Dardanelles. Took the ferry across the strait the next morning and spent a very moving day exploring the Gallipoli battlefields. If not a little cold, it was amazing to be able to experience this special place in the 100th year anniversary. Finished up our wonderful 2 weeks in Turkey with 4 nights in the historic city of Istanbul (formerly Constantinople and Byzantium). Off to Greece now.
 |
| Turkey is full of stray cats and dogs (pets on tap) |
 |
| The temple of Trajan in Pergamum (bitterly cold and snowing on the mountain top) |
 |
| Steep and well preserved amphitheater in Pergamum overlooking the modern city of Bergama |
 |
| The harbor of Assos where Paul boarded a ship |
 |
| The small amphitheater in Assos (sure Paul had a word or two here) |
 |
| The ruins of Alexandria Troas where Paul preached and performed a miracle (Acts 20) |
 |
| Ferry across the Dardanelles to Gallipoli Peninsula |
 |
| Found the grave of Simpson (and his Donkey) |
 |
| Beach Cemetery |
 |
| The moving words of Mustafa Kemal (Turkish commander at Gallipoli and founder of modern Turkey) |
 |
| Looking up towards the imposing Sphinx (the ANZAC view from the beach) |
 |
| Embarkation Pier Cemetery |
 |
| Lone Pine Cemetery |
 |
| Trenches at the Nek |
 |
| Gallipoli Memorial in the town of Eceabat |
 |
| Egyptian Obelisk of Theodosius from about 1500 BC in Istanbul since 4th century AD |
 |
| The Blue Mosque in Istanbul |
 |
| The baptismal tank in Hagia Sophia |
 |
| The incredible Hagia Sophia built as church in 537AD, converted to a mosque with the Ottoman defeat of Constantinople and now a museum |
 |
| Hagia Sophia - need a rest |
 |
| Hagia Sophia, oh so magnificent |
 |
| Hagia Sophia |
 |
| Mosaics in Hagia Sophia, plastered over by the Ottomans when turned into a mosque |
 |
| Looking out from the Hagia Sophia towards the blue mosque in distance and tombs of the Sultans in front |
 |
| Hagia Sophia |
 |
| Underground Cisterns (336 pillars 8m high) |
 |
| Inside the Blue Mosque (females have to have their heads covered) |
 |
| Inside the Sultans tombs |
 |
| Another church turned into mosque - Little Hagia Sophia |
 |
| Hagia Sophia at night |
 |
| Turn around and there is the Blue Mosque |
 |
| Hagia Sophia selfie |
 |
| Valens Aqueduct (built by Emperor Valens in late 4th century AD) - 971m long, 29m high |
 |
| The Divan (parliament) in the Topkapi Palace |
 |
| The circumcision Room in the Topkapi Palace |
 |
| View of the Bosphorus (Europe on the left bank, Asia on the right bank, Black Sea to the North) |
 |
| Tram trip in Istanbul to the New Town |
 |
| Turkish Delight, our new favorite |
 |
| The numerous fishermen on Galatia Bridge, Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent in the background |
 |
| Spice markets - a visual and aromatic attack on our senses |
 |
| Our lunch being lovingly prepared |
 |
| Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent |
 |
| Inside the Mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent |
 |
| The Grand Bazaar (the name says it all) |
No comments:
Post a Comment