St Sophia, Cora Museum, Grand Bazaar.
Hagia Sophia is a great architectural beauty and an important monument both for Byzantine and for Ottoman Empires. Once a church, later a mosque, and now a museum at the Turkish Republic, Hagia Sophia has always been the precious of its time.
A place not to miss in Istanbul: Chora Museum
The Grand Bazaar
ing centre since 1461 and its labyrinthine vaults feature two bedestens (domed buildings), the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in 1894 underwent a major restoration following an earthquake.
er-of-pearl mirrors, water pipes, watches and clocks, candlesticks, old coins, and silver and gold jewellery set with coral and turquoise. A leisurely afternoon spent exploring the bazaar, sitting in one of the cafés and watching the crowds pass by, and bargaining for purchases is one of the best ways to recapture the romantic atmosphere of old Istanbul.
Transfer to Istanbul airport for late evening flight at 2200 hours to Singapore departing at 4am.by Turkish Airlines.
My Prayer – For safe journey home Lord I pray. The distractions of this earth are just distractions. May I never forget that things eternal are what my heart should be set upon. Glory not to man but to God – that should be my life’s purpose. Amen.
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- Why Istanbul isn’t what you think (anywhereandhere.com)
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I am sitting here today in the comfort and hospitality of Singapore Airlines Krysflyer Lounge at Bangkok. Should have flown by another airline who made a boo boo earlier by group booking us on yesterday’s wrong flight. Praise God He is in control and has been all along throughout our very taxing tour especially at the various many archaeological sites. Bangkok was not on our itinerary – just a bonus…He knew I could not endure another non- stop flight from Istanbul direct to Singapore.
One more fall after breakfast yesterday – missing steps again, as the waitress watched in disbelief and was paralyzed to help me get back on my feet. Finally, the chef pulled me up …and praise The Lord, except for shock and a sore pinkie I did not suffer more serious damage. My God never sleeps nor slumbers.
In Istanbul, I was disappointed at the churches, which had been changed to mosques, changed to museums that I visited. Much fine art and frescoes and history have been defaced and damaged, by those who would dishonor and disgrace not The Lord, but themselves.
Did I enjoy the trip? Very much so.
We had inspirational morning devotions on the coach as we set off each day. Rev Dr Quek led us in lusty singing of hymns and choruses so true, which prepared us for the day ahead. He shared on the life and journeys of Paul and John and related the experiences of yore as he stood at relevant archaeological sites and read the pertinent scriptures, then shared us stories of the times and practices in Paul’s and John’s days. It was Scriptures come alive ! Praise God for such a knowledgable leader,.
Cappadocia in Turkey is a sight to behold…the majesty of mighty remains of windswept Disneyland of faery chimneys – like figurines carved out of the Volcanic remains of soils of different chemical content, similar with the colors of the Grand Canyon in the USA . Then as we stretched and stooped, walked into the caves in the mountains, which were used as churches till the 1920’s , we thought how wonderful that God could use the caves to hide and shield the Cappodician Christians from their persecutors and the sun . He is the same today – our refuge Praise The Lord.