Dolmabahce Palace and Fatih Mosque

On Tuesday we went to Dolmabahce Palace, the Imperial Palace built between 1843 and 1856.  Sultan Abdulmecid constructed the palace and moved the imperial family out of Topkapi (see earlier post).  Dolmabahce is an ornate mix of Ottoman and European influence, especially evident is Baroque, Rococo and Neoclassical artistic styles.  You can really see the European influence during this time of reform in the Ottoman empire (Tanzimat Reform).  The palace didn't allow pictures inside so check out the website under related links on the side.  Here are some pictures of the grounds and the nearby mosque. 

The mosque had a crystal chandelier just like many of the grand rooms in the palace.

Next a few of us ventured off the tourist track and towards the Fatih Mosque, named after Mehmet II, the sultan that conquered Constantinople in 1453.  Built upon the site of the Church of the Holy Apostles, we were fortunate to arrive just in time for the call to prayer.  We weren't sure if they would let us in during prayer time, but we stood in the back and watched the mosque fill up.  A very cool experience on the first day of Ramadan!

On our way to the mosque, the Aqueduct Valens--a mix of ancient and modern...now part of Ataturk Blvd.