Istanbul - Turkey with Your Family: From Bustling Bazaars to Historic Sites - page 71

the imagination the moment
you see it. While only the
remains can be seen today just
off Sultanahmet Square, it hints
at its extraordinary size and
importance all those years ago.
It's not hard to visualise and
'hear' the thousands upon thou-
sands of people who would have
at one time stood on the spot to
watch executions. Today, it has
an elegant feel and is great for
taking a break from the hustle of
the city by resting on one of the
benches rather conveniently sup-
plied and enjoying a quick
drink. A couple of small kiosks
sell drinks, although as with any
city visit it's probably best to
have a few of your children's
favourites in your bag. There are
public toilets close by too, in
case your children need to
freshen up a bit. While resting
here, do look at the two obelisks
that stand prominently in the
square. One is Egyptian and is
believed to date from around
1500 BC , while the other is a 5th-
century Serpentine Column.
Open daily. Admission free.

Süleymaniye Mosque
Siddik Sami Onar Caddesi Vefa.
b [phone].
The first sight of this mosque is
likely to be its four elegant
minarets and, as you get closer, its
100 or so little domed roofs with
a large one in the centre. The
mosque is a powerful sight.
Located on the west bank of the
Golden Horn, the waterway that
flows inland from the Bosphorus,
this mosque is most noted for
being built on the orders of the
Sultan Süleymaniye and designed
by the Ottoman architect Sinan
in the 16th century.
Open 9am-5pm daily. Admission
free.

★★
Meydani 21, Sultanahmet Square.
b [phone].
Built in 1609-16, the Sultan
Ahmet Mosque, or more com-
monly and romantically known
as the Blue Mosque because of
the blue Iznik tiles that decorate
its interior, is a must to see. It is a
landmark building of the city and

The Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque

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