Saturday - Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Military Museum
Now back in our Istanbul hotel, better room than last time. Breakfast at 8.45 and then off on our tour.
First stop was Hagia Sophia, a former Christian church built in the 5th century AD. Was converted to a Mosque when Turkey embraced Islam. The Islamic altar is offset from the end of the wall to be in direct line to Mecca.
Next it was the Blue Mosque. This was a disappointment. Too many people and the smell of feet. Outside the mosque was the Hippodrome.
We then visited the Turkish and Islamic Art Museum, here they had some fabulous carpets, and then downstairs was a good show of full size models of tents showing the way the Turks lived.
Next we visited a state-run Turkish carpet showroom. The presenter explained how Turkish carpets were made, how in Turkey they used the double knot, far superior to the Persian carpets which used a single know. The different regions of Turkey used different patterns and different dyes. The dyes being made from what was available to the area. They flung masses of carpets on the floor, different regions, different sizes, different materials. Suddenly we found ourselves buying a runner for the landing at home. Some of the others bought too, despite shouts of "I am NOT interested in a carpet" from Patricia.
After that expense, we paid a visit to the grand Bazaar. Bought a blunt dagger for Graham, did the bargaining bit, but somehow think we were conned. Explanations needed later at the airport and our luggage marked.
Next on to the Military Museum where we sawa display by a military band. We watched it twice, with slight variations. Do not belive the men were in the regular army; just formed the band at the museum.
Back to the hotel, then out for a meal at an extremely posh restaurant by the Bosporus. The meal was inclusive, but we still ended up paying a fortune for the wine and coffee. 6 Lira for a Turkish coffee is outrageous. The meal was fish cooked in a case of salt. Despite the original huge size, the portions were small, Rosemary was very miffed because she reckoned the women got the small portions, and grotty bone bits at that. The coach driver had a particularly large bit!
