On our last full day in Turkey, we decided mostly to stroll around Istanbul.
Yerebatan (Basilica) Cistern - The cool and serene cistern was built in the 3rd Century Byzantine period below the city just 500 metres from Hagia Sophia. Its purpose? To transport fresh water from some 20 km out of the city. It is gorgeous inside with its 336 marble columns.
Two of the columns feature the face of Medusa, who was said to turn to stone those who met her gaze. It is widely thought that the base sculptures are upside down and sideways to offset the power of the Gorgon Medusa's gaze.
Oya's new Istanbul summer home! ;)
Now THIS is real street food! Galata bridge and tower in the background.
Eminönü Camii - New Mosque
Yummmm, gevrek!
And quite the balancing act. I'd call this the nibbles tour of Istanbul.
A play on Radiohead's "I'm a loser", this Banksy style stencil graffiti speaks to the protests happening in Taksim Square. While strolling a few blocks from the Taksim area, we began to feel the effects of pepper spray and tear gas in the air, even in such light concentrations. Can't imagine getting hit with it full on. We figured we were safe today as Taksim and Gezi park were cleared out last night by riot police to make way for a pro-government ralleigh. Clearly, we figured wrong. There must've been clashes between protesters and gov't supporters.
Wrapped up the day's stroll at the Sultan's Pub with a kickass view over Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque.
Mezes: our last meal in Istanbul. Yummmm...
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