Blogger, Kacie Lennon
Daily Highlights:
- Exterior of Hagia Sophia with a presentation from Syd
- Ferry to Beşiktaş
- Visit Yıldız Sarayı
- Visit Dolmabahçe Sarayı with a presentation from Sophie
- Visit the Galata neighborhood with a presentation from Ana
- Walk down İstiklal
- Dinner in Galata
The Exterior of the Hagia Sophia
We began our day outside one of Istanbul’s most iconic landmarks, the Hagia Sophia, where Sydney gave a presentation sharing insights on the Byzantine and Ottoman layers of architectural history of the building’s exterior. The massive dome, buttresses, and minarets tell a story of centuries of religious and political change, setting the tone for a day of exploring imperial spaces.
Ferry Across the Bosphorus
The ferry ride from Eminönü to Beşiktaş gave us sweeping views of both the European and Asian shores of Istanbul. The breeze was refreshing, and seeing the city from the water offered a unique sense of its scale and layered topography.
