Istanbul

Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque

Photo of the Day

Before dawn at Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque in the Kadirga neighbourhood of the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey.

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Before dawn at Sokollu Mehmet Pasha Mosque in the Kadirga neighbourhood of the Fatih district of Istanbul, Turkey.


Istanbul Sunrise

Photo of the Day

I woke early one morning in Istanbul to check out the view from one of the city’s many terraces and I couldn’t have been greeted by a better sunrise. This particular panorama frames the sun with the Hagia Sophia on the left and the Blue Mosque on the right.

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The sun rises over the Sultanahmet district of Istanbul, Turkey with Hagia Sophia on the left and the Blue Mosque on the right.


The Basilica Cistern

Photo of the Day

Today’s image comes from one of the most memorable and enchanting places I know, the Basilica Cistern beneath the streets of Istanbul. This giant underground space formerly used to provide water to some of the palaces in the city.

Now, raised walkways allow visitors to walk amongst the 336 columns while keeping their feet dry in the mostly-drained cistern. Water dripping from the ceiling and quiet, haunting classical music help to set the mood in the dark forest of giant columns.

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The columns of the Basilica Cistern in Istanbul, Turkey.