2025-09-1 Istanbul, Turkey

Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque

Very popular with tourists.

Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson

Basilica Cistern

Emperor Constantine built a structure that was later reconstructed and enlarged by Emperor Justinian after the Nika riots of 532, which devastated the city. Historical texts claim that 7,000 slaves were involved in the construction of the cistern.

Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

2025-09-12#7676

Larry L. Jackson

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern has appeared in From Russia with Love (1963), The International (2009) and Inferno (2016).

Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson

Art

Basilica Cistern, Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson

Basilica Cistern

I particularly liked this lighting.

Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson

Basilica Cistern

Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson

Medusa Base

Superstitious workers turned Medusa on its side out of fear.

Basilica Cistern, Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson

Medusa Base

Upside down is even better.

Basilica Cistern, Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson

Gargoyle Cap

To provide the correct height of the column.

Basilica Cistern, Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson

Efes Beer

Our local guide selected a familiar restaurant for lunch.

Nars Brasserie, Walking Street, Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson

Walking Street

Restaurants and shops on our lunch street.

Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson

Market Street

Old Town Istanbul, Turkey, September 12, 2025

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Larry L. Jackson