Thursday, 30 November 2017
After breakfast, we went out looking for Sofia’s milk formula. We passed by the Column of Constantine, also locally known as the Burnt Column. Constructed in 330CE, it commemorates the declaration of Byzantium (at the time known as Nova Roma – New Rome) as the new capital city of the Roman Empire.
The column is also located next to Gazi Atik Ali Pasha Mosque. It was built by the Grand Vizier Hadım Atik Ali Pasha in 1497CE.
From the Burnt Column, we walked to the Beyazıt tram stop, near Grand Bazaar. We then found a Migros store (a chain grocery store) to buy Sofia’s baby formula. We found a decent local brand that is good enough to last a few more days.
After that, we went to the Süleymaniye Mosque. We took the walking route from the Grand Bazaar. It was a 15 minute walk. Completed in 1558CE on the orders of Sultan Süleyman the Magnificent, the mosque is known for is beauty and sights over Istanbul.
A large religious complex consisting of Islamic and Byzantine elements, the compound includes the Sultan’s tomb.
After our tour, we had lunch at a restaurant just outside the mosque. It had a nice view of the mosque. The hot food served was just what we needed after walking in the chill weather!
From the Süleymaniye Mosque, we went for another round of shopping at the Grand Bazaar. I bought an Ottoman chess set. I’m not sure if this will be a souvenir for somebody, or for my own collection. I’ll figure it out when I get home. Before leaving the bazaar, we had coffee at one of the cafe. They served excellent Turkish desserts.
We stopped by the Hippodrome for Sofia to run around. We even managed to snap a nice photo with the Blue Mosque. Given the location of the sun, I think early evenings are better to take a photo from this angle (as sun rises from behind the Blue Mosque and hence affects the lighting).
In the evening, we realised Sofia’s Elmo soft toy is missing. She has been looking for it all evening. After backtracking in my thoughts, I decided to go back to Migros. Thank god it was really there and the friendly cashier held on to it. Only parents will know how kids are attached to their toys! 😉
For dinner, I took the tram to Sirkeci to buy KFC. As mentioned in my other blog posts, I find interesting to try out common fast foods in different countries.
Related posts: Istanbul Day 1, Day 2, Day 3, Day 4, Day 5, Day 6, Day 7
Imran Jaafar 