I had seen the pictures....one of the most amazing skylines in the world.   And heard the tales of the Arabian Nights.... Istanbul, Turkey where east meets west.  Arriving at night was the perfect beginning, the Mosques and Palace a beautiful sight, light up and beaming in the distance, yes this certainly would be an adventure. 

Istanbul is the former capital of three successive empires, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman.  Embracing two continents with one arm reaching out to Asia and the other to Europe.  A city of 12-million, can you image?  The entire state of Colorado has a population of 4.3.  Needless to say it stretches in every direction and offer endless variety of museums, churches, palaces, grand mosques, bazaars and sights of natural beauty.  We had only a few days to explore so we felt it was important to have a well informed driver and guide, this way we were able to see as many of the highlights as possible. 

The cascading domes and four slender minarets of the Imperial Süleymaniye Mosque dominate the skyline and here we began our sightseeing journey.  It is considered the most beautiful of all imperial mosques in Istanbul, was built between 1550 and 1557 by Sinan, the renowned architect of the Ottoman Empire's golden age.  Inside are the mihrab (prayer niche showing the direction to Mecca) the mimber (pulpit) made of finely carved white marble and exquisite stained-glass windows coloring the incoming steams of light.

The ancient Hippodrome was the scene of chariot races and the center of Byzantine civic life.  Here only three monuments remain The Obelisk of Theodosius, the bronze Serpentine Column and the Column of Constantine.  

The Imperial Sultanahmet Mosque, more familiarly know as the "Blue Mosque" because of its magnificent interior paneling of blue and white Iznik tiles.  Built between 1609 and 1616 by the architect Mehmet.  It boast six minarets (the more minarets the richer the Mosque) it is a beautiful site and right across the way is the picturesque Basilica of Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) which was converted to a museum in 1934.  Originally built as church and later converted to a Mosque.  Many of the murals were covered and recently have been revealed they are stunning, rich in color.  This unique building is quite an amazing sight it's interesting to see how two different religions, during different time periods, worshiped within the same walls.

I found Topkapi Palace (now a museum) to be a highlight and would suggest at least 1/2 day to enjoy all that awaits you.  This maze of buildings was the focal point of the Ottoman Empire between the 15th and 19th centuries.  In these opulent surroundings the sultans and their court lived and governed.  A magnificent wooded garden fills the outer court.  In the second court, to the right stands the palace kitchens, which now serve as galleries exhibiting the imperial collections of crystal, silver and Chinese porcelain.  To the left is the Harem, the secluded quarters of the wives, concubines, and children of the sultan, we were surprised how cool it was within the Harem as temperatures outside were 100°+.  The third court holds the Hall of Audience, the Library of Ahemt III, and exhibition of imperial costumes.  It was pointed out to us that the clothing was usually much largest than the sultan and made that why so they would look superior (bigger than life).  The famous jewels of the treasury are located here as well; this is a priceless collection.  I always find it hard to believe that such extravagance was royalties everyday life; mirrors, weapons, cribs and candleholders all studded with rubies, emeralds, diamonds and many other precious stones.  The Spoonmakers Diamond at 86-carets is the largest diamond I have ever seen and the story goes that peasant found it in the rubbish, not knowing its value traded it for three spoons.  It was a busy yet wonderful day.

We started out the next morning at the spice market.  The gentleman at one of the first stalls heard we only had a 1/2 hour to shop and he made sure we spent every minute of it at his store, so much for visiting the entire market.  $50 later we had purchased wonderful spices, Turkish delight (a yummy candy/nut mix), some tea and had a taste of Beluga Caviar.  We then headed down the Bosphorus with Asia to our left and Europe on the right and always a great view.  We stopped at the sultans beautiful summer estate, Beylerbeyi Palace.  This majestic Palace is fairly new they stopped using it in 1934 and now allow tours throughout.  The furnishing, artwork, wall painting and of course those Turkish rugs are all original, the detail amazing.  And yet another great day.

We found the people in Istanbul friendly and helpful.  The shop owners always ready to bargain.  Meals were inexpensive, overall a great value.  I was glad to "wet my appetite" with a just a taste of Turkey, I plan to return for a more in-depth adventure and hope you will too.  James TravelPOINTS 303 442-2340.