Historic Buildings of Istanbul

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The most famous landmark of Istanbul - The Blue Mosque.

The courtyard of Blue Mosque.

The interior of Blue Mosque.

View of Hagia Sofia from Blue Mosque. Preceding Blue Mosque by almost 1,000 years, Hagia Sofia is still the symbol of Eastern Orthdox Christianism.

Standing right outside of Hagia Sofia. It is considered one of the best religious buildings in human history. With those 4 minarets (added by Turks after they conquered Istanbul in 1453), it looks really like Blue Mosque in pink.

Some Christian frescos in Hagia Sofia do survive Turkish rule after 500 years. This is one of the most famous works "Deesis." From left to right: Madonna, Jesus Christ, and John.

Partial view of Blue Mosque from the higher floor of Hagia Sofia.

Yerebatan Sarnici, the ancient Roman underground water palace. It is hiddden near Hagia Sofia and Blue Mosque.

Two famous pillars in the underground water palace. Medusa as the bases of those two pillars to show this evil woman with hair of snakes has been calmed.

Entrance to the Grand Bazaar. It is very touristy and most things here are overpriced.

Galata Tower at the southern end of New Town (near Golden Horn Bay). We were on our way to the top of the Tower to see a dinner show.