why Istanbul?

 Ohh why?

I have popped into Istanbul a few times on passing..... got hooked.

Reading Richard Fidler's Ghost Empire really set me off. So much to explore, visually a feast!

I have lots of other pictures of The Cistern, boating to the Prince islands and backstreets filed somewhere safe at the moment.... hmmm will have to go back again for better photos. 

A day in the office! 

The first time I stopped by Istanbul, it was spur of the minute as I was heading from here to there.... it was summer heat so not a lot of tourists and many things were being renovated....

No water in the Cistern but the Medusa was love at first site.

This Cistern was built mid 500 AD, blocked off sometime in the 1400's, rediscovered later 1500's and renovated 1985. Wiki will tell you more.

Blue Mosque

It is crowded in the middle of the day- first thing in the morning is best

BUT the vibe of happy people ready to visit is infectious.

The Hagia Sophia is special- there is a sense on convivial peace about the space.

People from all over the world fill the space, a gentle mummer of wonder and all welcome.

So many languages being spoken, so many faces from across the globe.

A few guys having prayer mat moments in the here and there, obvious Jews, Buddhists monks and the rest of us.

A very special experience to save up in your heart.

Christian mosaics in The Hagia Sophia- what a magical space and vibe.

I dream of this magical landscape.... can't wait to see it.

Fabulous book

My sons and I have obsessed over these hidden cities for a while- definitely going there in June on my next visit.

ME- sleep deprived and in my happy place- no scarf- no problem The Blue Mosque will lend you something from the Star Wars costume department!!

Fabulous for all types of exciting Travel Sketching and Textile Adventures... stay tuned as the plot thickens.