Kariye Müzesi (Chora Church)

Kariye Müzesi, Chora Church, Istanbul, pentax k10d

The Chora Church was originally built outside the walls of Constantinople, to the south of the Golden Horn. Literally translated, the church’s full name was the Church of the Holy Saviour in the Country: although “The Church of the Holy Redeemer in the Fields” would be a more natural rendering of the name in English. (Greek ἡ Ἐκκλησία του Ἅγιου Σωτῆρος ἐν τῃ Χώρᾳ, hē Ekklēsia tou Hagiou Sōtēros en tē Chōra). The last part of that name, Chora, referring to its location originally outside of the walls, became the shortened name of the church. The original church on this site was built in the early 5th century, and stood outside of the 4th century walls of Constantine the Great. However, when Theodosius II built his formidable land walls in 413–414, the church became

Yerebatan Camii, Sultanahmet

Yerebatan Camii, Yerebatan Mosque, Sultanahmet, Istanbul, pentax k10d

Ahırkapı

Ahırkapı, Istanbul, pentax k10d

Several sets of walls were built around the city, beginning with the time of its founder Byzas, and they enclosed areas of differing size. Beyond the outer wall was a moat 10 m deep and 20 m wide, and inside this a second wall with 96 towers. As well as gates used by the general public, there were others reserved for military purposes. The walls overlooking the mouth of the Golden Horn where the city was least wlnerable to attack were the weakest. The next section to the south were the walls along the Marmara Sea which were 8260 m long and pierced by the Ahırkapı, Çatladıkkapı, Samatya and Narlıkapı gates. The land walls were 5632 m long and contained the Belgrad, Silivrikapı, Mevlevihane, Topkapı, Edirnekapı, Eğrikapı and Yedikule gates. Yedikule Gate was also known as Porta Aurea or the Golden Gate, and was the most magnificent, consisting of three archways. It was built by Emperor Theodosius (379-395). Over the gateway was a double headed Byzantine eagle carved in relief. It was through this gate that the emperors passed when returning from victorious campaigns. Istanbul’s city walls were almost invincible, and only breached twice in their entire history, once in 1204 by the Fourth Crusaders and once in 1453 by the Turks.

Hızır Çavuş Camii, Balat

Hızır Çavuş Camii, Hizir Cavus Mosque, Balat, Istanbul, pentax k10d

Panayia Vlaherna Ayazmasi (Meryem Ana)

Panagia of Vlahernon Church, Panayia Vlaherna Meryem Ana Ayazması, Balat, Istanbul, pentax k10d

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Küçük Ayasofya Camii

Küçük Ayasofya Camii, Istanbul, pentax k10d

The Church of Saints Sergios and Bacchos was built by Justinian before he became emperor in 527. It has the form of a vaulted octagon with niches on the diagonal sides that is envelopped by a ambulatory with two storeys. Originally it formed a double church together with the basilica of St. Peter and Paul that disappeared already in the early middle byzantine time

Pickle Seller

Turşu satıcısı, Pickle selling on street, Istanbul, eminönü, pentax k10d

Bozdoğan kemeri (The Valens Aqueduct)

The Valens Aqueduct, Bozdoğan Kemeri, İstanbul, pentax k10d

The Valens Aqueduct (Turkish: Bozdoğan Kemeri, meaning “Aqueduct of the grey falcon” was the major water-providing system of medieval Constantinople (modern Istanbul, in Turkey). Being the oldest aqueduct in Istanbul, Valens has served the city for more than 15 centuries as its most important water source. Restored by several Ottoman Sultans, it is one of the most important landmarks of the city.

Fatih, Hafiz Ahmed Paşa Camii (Hafiz Ahmed Pasha Mosque)

Hafız Ahmed Paşa Camii, Hafiz Ahmed Pasha Mosque, Fatih-Istanbul, pentax k10d

small and historical mosque at Fatih district with a fantastic garden.

Ahırkapı Akbıyık Camii (Akbiyik Mosque)

Akbıyık Camii, Akbiyik Mosque, Ahırkapı-İstanbul, pentax k10d

I am learning to use my new lens (Tamron 28-75/2.8)