1. Frank & Hannah Biocca
  2. Exotic Turkey
  3. Istanbul, Byzantine treat.

Istanbul, Turkey - Polarsteps

Istanbul puts the buzz in byzantine. In the old town we visit the huge 11 century Afa Sophia mosque, formerly a Greek Orthodox cathedral. Most of the unholy graven Christian images are long removed. We accidentally enter the mosque during prayers, so Hannah, a woman, must remain on the edges until prayers cease. By day we visit the immense palace of the former sultans feasting under canopy on Ottoman desserts in one of the five large courtyards. You feel the dense waves of this 12 million sized city on the main streets and Taksim Square. Dark Burkhas parade beside exposed mid drifts and pushed up breasts. In some of the traditional restaurants meals come engulfed in flames.

Country Guides:

Turkey