Thursday, June 5, 2025

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.

Syd presenting on the Hagia Sophia

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Photo by Kacie Lennon

Yıldız Sarayı

At Yıldız Sarayı, nestled in lush gardens, we experienced a more secluded vision of Ottoman power. Compared to the grandeur of other palaces we have visited, Yıldız felt more intimate—a place of retreat during the empire’s final decades. Although parts of the complex are undergoing restoration, we walked through the ornamental pavilions and imagined the courtly life that once unfolded here. It was intriguing to see the blend of Art Nouveau and Rococo styles, reflecting a turn-of-the-century European influence. While we were there, a parade unexpectedly passed through the complex, which was a fun surprise!

Yıldız Sarayı

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