May 19 - Istanbul: Dreaming in Tile

A day of dreamy tiles and textures, starting at the Topkapi Palace. These photos were taken in the Harem, the living quarters of the Sultan, his wives, children, and mother.







The Queen's quarters. I could imagine sprawling on that couch.



Random room in the Harem.



The Prince's quarters.





The most amazing dome. It's looks like a piece of fine jewelry I should be wearing around my wrist.





Another stunning room in the Harem.







My favorite blue tile.



Dome in the Sultan's chamber.





The Sultan's bath.



Random bits and pieces.







Exterior of the Harem.







Lunch in the upstairs of Ortoklar, looking out onto the street below. Delicious corba (pronounced chorba) lentil soup. Plus pepper paste for the bread.



Ortaklar pide (Turkish pizza) special with egg and sausage and minced meat. Delicious.



Vegetable pide, also great!



Suleymaniye Mosque









Random video near the Galata Bridge.



Rustem Pasha, my favorite mosque in Istanbul.



Small and quiet and blue.





Two Turkish coffees and cookie dough halva at The Velvet Cafe near the Galata Tower. The halva was crave-able, tasting just like cookie dough you'd sneak if you had time or cared enough to make cookies from scratch. You get to pick the adorable cup that your coffee is served in and they're all winners.



Views from the top of the Galata Tower.









Near the Galata Tower, the BLUE BOY and PINK LADY of street art.





Fishermen on the Galata Bridge as the sun sets. The New Mosque in the background.



The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sofia from the ferry back from Kadikoy, which is on the Asian side.





And, you guessed it, more Blue Mosque. A recording of the call to prayer after sundown.