The smooth ride took us from the Eminonu docks to Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge and back.
Amaka was afraid that she would get sea-sick. So, with Ugo, she went on the the main level, while I remained on the top deck with the 'twins' for a while.
We sailed under one of the bridges that connects the two continents in the city:
Chizor wanted the local sandwich. She mowed it down and poured the cup of fresh squeezed orange juice right on the deck. What a surprise! She had to make do with bottled water we brought on board.
We later went to the Topkapi--the Showplace of the Sultans.
The Topkapi was built in 1459 by Sultan Mehmet II. It is an elaborate palace with out-of-this world architecture, furnishings, flamboyance and unbelievable collection of precious stones. It has room for 1000 kitchen staff alone. It has four elaborate courtyards. On the first court yard is a church from the Byzantine era that was never converted into a mosque even during the Ottoman empire. Among other highlights are:
Gate of Salutation, built by Suleyman the Magnificent in 1524. Only the sultan could enter the gate on horseback. The two towers held the slaves before they were executed:
In front of the Gate of Salutation is the Fountain of the Executioner, where the killers washed the blood of the victims off their hands.
In front of the Gate to the Divan:
Assembly Room of the Council of State where the Sultan met with his court officials and subjects:
By the royal water fountain:
Also on display are:
- Some of the private effects of prophet Mohamed.
- 'Staff of Moses' , the one apparently used to path the red sea--how do we know that?
- cast of the foot print of the prophet Mohamed
- 86 carat spoonmaker diamond
- A basket of precious emeralds
- Topkapi dagger
- Armors of the Sultans, including bows, spears, guns & shields
Chilling at the park after a long walk through various sites:
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