From Byzantine to Ottoman.

4th February,

This morning we walked to go to the Bassilica Cistern which only about 10 minutes walk from our hostel.

The Bassilica Cistern which also known as the Underground Palace, is the largest one beneath the city.

The cistern was built by Emperor Constantius.

The length is 140m with width o 70m.

also,

there were 2 heads of Medusa.

I'm sure everyone knows about the legend of Medusa.

Not sure why they were here.

Then, we continue our journey to Hagia Sophia,

located in Sultan Ahmet Square too.

It's just opposite to the Blue Mosque.

It was formerly built as a church serving for about 916 years,

changes into mosque served for 481 years,

before been turned into a museum since 1935.

It is considered as one of the most important architecture monument.

Inside the Hagia Sophia was the most amazing view we've ever see.

It's a combination of early Byzantine architecture, traditional Roman architecture and the Eastern Art.

There are still many traces of the Christians paintings and Arts together with Islamic Arts,

As it was been served as both Church and Mosque.

The qiblat was also a little tilted to the right.

Then,

we were desperately hungry.

We went for lunch at SultanAhmet Restaurant.

A bit expensive,

but we were hungry.

"Turkey famous also for its tea.After a meal you'll always get a cup of tea"

It was Friday,

So it's time for Solat Jumaat.

And we were thinking-Blue Mosque.

There were soo many people there,

We've come a bit late and it's already full inside.

So we had to sit outside.

It was our first time hearing a khutbah in Turkish.

After finishing the Jumaat Prayer,

We took a Tram to go to Topkapi Station to visit the Panorama 1453.

What happens at 1453?

Let me tell you something if you still haven't got any clue.

It was the year when Constantinopole been conquered under the army of Sultan Mehmed 2 or Sultan Mehmed Fatih at the age of 21.

Here you will know the story of how he liberated Constantinopole.

But you will need an audio device.

I greatly advice.

At the climax session,

You will find yourself in the middle of a battle with excellent paintings on the wall and sound effects.

It was quite an experience.

After that,

we decided to go to Sultan Mehmed Fatih Mosque and also his tomb.

On the journey,

We visited the Aqueduct.

"Aqueduct in the middle of the road"

After walking a while,

We reached our destination,

Sultan Mehmed Fatih Mosque.

Unluckily, His tomb were already closed because it's almost night,

Instead we went for Maghrib Prayer there.

"Sultan Mehmed Fatih tomb, The one which Prophet Muhammad p.b.u.h. said the best leader with the best army which will Conquer Constantinopole someday"

That night,

We have some dinner at a Fast Food Restaurant.

Afiq, Wawan and Faiz went to Ottogar to find tickets to Bursa,

while others head back to the hostels.