Istanbul Part 1; The Historical Charm
Assalamualaikum.
The first time I
went to Istanbul, it was my very first experience going to the other town by
myself. Well, me and Anggun actually wanted to explore Istanbul while waiting
for our next flight right after we arrived in Turkey. Unfortunately, we had no
one to guide us, and our Turkish ability was in absolute zero. Istanbul is
definitely a big city with tons of public transportation, and we believed it is
not fun to be lost and miss the next flight. So, we ended up spending 13 hours
doing nothing in the airport.
26th October
2018, about 25 days after I settled in my city, with barely (still) no
communication ability, I went to this historical city of Istanbul. I took a
night bus, brought me 12 hours all the way to Esenler Bus Station.
I enjoyed the
trip as much as I enjoyed the sleep, hehe. I can sleep almost everywhere (especially
during the classes), that’s why a long trip does not bother me at all.
Since cities in
Turkey mostly located in the same continent, it is very easy and convenient to
go everywhere by taking a bus. Even the small cities have their own station,
and there are highways connecting those places. I havent found any traffic jam
during the trip. Their time estimation is kinda good also. One new thing that I
found, the government has this regulation where the passengers must sit
together with the same gender. It is good for our own safety, and at least we dont
need to worry about sitting with a random man. Their service mostly includes
drink/snack during the trip, and one or two breaks in the rest area.
I spent about 2
nights in the bu Mahmudah’s place, and luckily got Shofi with me to go sightseeing.
It was not a long trip though, we just went to.. Eminonu I guess? Ate a chicken
sandwitch, then continued to Sultan Ahmet, where lies these famous yet very
historical building, Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
Blue Mosque
thanks for having us!
We didnt make it
inside since there was no time left, but it was fun! Promise would come back
there later.
...and then I did
:p
It was a very
cold day in the February when I brought myself back to this city. Since I got bit
plenty of time, I managed myself to arrived right at 6 am, traveled to Karakoy
and bought a student transportation card. The student discout makes the
transport cost getting better, fyi, if you are a student, definitely
recommended to make this one.
In the 15th
Century, Constantinople’s walls were widely recognized as the most formidable
in all of Europe. However, back in 1453, seventy ships carried by cows and
balanced by hundred of soldiers via ropes were slid over slipways in this area.
Within years of struggles and battles, Ottoman soldiers led by Sultan Mehmed II
(Muhammad Al Fatih) were succeeded to occupy the Golden Horn and made their
Constantinople conquest right after.
It was around 10
am when I visited Dolmabahce Palace. Built in the 19th Century, it is one of
the most glamorous palaces in the world. This palace were used as the
administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire, and the last Ottoman Sultans
were also residing there. People were mesmerized with all the crafts and details
made up the whole building. Offices, prayer rooms, private rooms, halls, all of
them were placed and connected in this area. They also exhibited their
advancement in knowledge and science since I observed some paintings, pictures
and tools depicted their research and knowledgement about our universe.
Dolmabahce Palace
I went to
Suleymaniah Camii on the late afternoon, where I met two girl from Lebanon and
Uygur recited Al-Kahf together. They greeted me and asked whether I want to
join them, so I agreed immediately and joined on the last pages. We went to a
restaurant nearby and ate right after. It warms my heart knowing that eventhough
we came from different countries and speak different languages, but Al-Kahf put
us together. Being on a single trip and met new friends like this made me
realize that we’re really having sisters and brothers beneath the same faith,
spreads all over the world.
On the second
day, my friends and I went to Panorama 1453. The whole history of
Constantinople’s conquest was written and depicted in words, pictures and
models. It is also located near ruin of Constatinople’s wall in Topkapi Area. I
was more interested seeing this historical wall though. Hundred, even thousand
years ago, this wall was nearly impenetrable, the strongest among all, and it
is now still standing tall within the modern city of Istanbul.
one of the strongest wall out of all
We managed to
visit Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace in the end. Hagia Sophia was the biggest
church constructed by the East Roman Empire in Istanbul. During this era, the
Hagia Sophia was the place in which the emperors were crowned. The conquer in
1453 made this place renovated into a mosque. Additional supporting pillars were
installed during the East Roman and Ottoman period. During the 16th and 17th
century Ottoman period, mihrabs, mimbar, maksoorahs and preachment stand were
added to the structure.
Hagia Sophia
Topkapi Palace
were built between 1466 and 1478 by Sultan Mehmed II. The palace was the political
center of the Ottoman Empire between 15th and 19th centuries, until they built
Dolmabahce Palace and moved there. This place is full of callighraphies,
crafted in most of the walls and roofs. Inside, the Holy Relics of the Prophet
Muhammad and the imperial archives are still well preserved.
Topkapi Palace
Being in
Istanbul; it is exactly like walking in the past, experiencing the ruins,
walls, and fortresses, and palaces, all with my own eyes.
I truly love; how
this city merge its historical charm and modernity altogether in one place.
My next visits
would be written in the different post since it has their own special story
inside. Stay tune!
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