Some Historic Sites

Saturday, my friend Hatice took me to see some interesting ancient locations in the oldest part of Istanbul. We went to the Basilica Cistern…a good article about it is here (although it seems to be translated from another language): http://www.yerebatan.com/english/itarihce.html (Pictures below) There is a small stage in one area near the entrance where live classical music is sometimes performed, I would love to hear that!
We went to see the workshops of Caferaga Medresesi next to Hagia Sophia, where traditional Turkish arts are taught. The below video is from there, too bad it’s not in English! I have also posted pictures below. We went to a similar place close to a small mosque where Hatice takes her ney lessons (a type of flute). To tell you how generous a lot of Turks are, as I was admiring a piece of art (in photo of Hatice and her teacher – on wall), he told Hatice to tell me to please take it since I liked it so much!! (of course I didn’t!)
(youtube) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vsr7MORl4Os

The teacher gave us a private concert and it was beautiful!
While there a conversation began about the mosque next door. The teacher told me, with Hatice translating, that this mosque was a “dry run” for the Hagia Sophia, and it had been a church built during Justinian and Theodora’s reign. Had to see it! I googled it later and found this on wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Little_Hagia_Sophia A man in the mosque told me that a pope is buried under the floors somewhere and that the pope used to live next door, but I kind of doubt that???!!! (Photos below.)

We also went walking through an ancient park, I can’t remember the name of it but it was magnificent and even better it seemed about 10 degrees cooler than the streets :-) Picture below!

On my own I visited Galata Tower and Galata Bridge. Galata Tower is one of the oldest towers in the world and was originally built of wood in 527 as a lighthouse. In the 1300’s it was reconstructed of stone and called “Christ Tower”. Pictures of the tower and bridge below. I also happened upon a Catholic Church in Taksim – rather a Basilica – called “The Church of St. Anthony”. It has services in English, Italian, Polish and Turkish!

The new nanny/cook/housekeeper came today. I don’t know if she will last, the kids seem to get on her nerves. She keeps telling them to go outside and play :-)

BIG PS!! I happened upon the coolest lamp shop with handmade lamps! My very favorites are the leather and iron ones. I will have to get one to bring home, I just can't figure out which to get! They have a website: www.exoticlampsselection.com Support Turkey - buy a lamp :-)