Dream Trip 2008: February

Great Travel Moment

Istanbul was a stop off our honeymoon cruise. The Blue Mosque was commissioned by sultan Ahmet 1, as a rival to Hagia Sophia. Constuction began in 1609 & took 7 years. The sultan died 1 year after it's completion & is buried just outside the mosque with his wife & 3 sons. You can only visit between prayer times & you must take off your shoes. Althought this trip was back in 1990 I remember this day vividly. The Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace & the Grand Baazar were that days destinations. They were all so spectacular.