A palace, an archeological museum and a mosque

Sitting at our favorite place...the Dervish Cafe.  The lambchops were sublime, and now we are sipping tea and listening to live music.  The Dervish is about to begin.

I will mainly upload photos because Frank is anxious to get back to the hotel.  A lot is going on in Istanbul today as the park was cleared by force of protesters, and protests are now spreading to various neighborhoods.  A pro government rally is scheduled in Kadikoy where we get off the ferry and catch the metro.  It will be crazy busy.  Google BBC news Istanbul if you want more details.

Today we brought along a monopod (easier to carry than a tripod) and it made a huge difference for my photos.  After visiting Topkapi Palace and the Archeological Museum, I revisited Aya Sofya.  Since there are no flash photos allowed, yesterday's photos were blurry without the stability of the monopod.

In the entry hallway.

Walking in...  This is the inner narthex.

The main room.  Aya Sofya was once the crown of Christianity, then bacame a mosque, and is now a museum.  Quite a combination inside.

Looking up into the main dome.  The wires hold the chandeliers.

The centerpiece of the room.

(This photo showcases this camera, lense and monopod.  The Madonna is also seen in the previous photo... far far away.)

The main dome abuts the front dome (the yellow) which is over the Madonna.  This photo is taken looking straight up from my vantage point.

These chandeliers are immense.

In the hallway as I exited.  Christ Pantocrator - the All Powerful.  The Greek inscription on the book in His hand reads "Peace be unto you, I am the light of the world."   Indeed.