Tag: history

Posted on

Destination: Istanbul

As summer comes to a close our team headed to Istanbul this week, that modern-day city that sits at the crossroads of Europe and Asia and most definitely straddles both the ancient and modern worlds. The Bosphorus is still a route for maritime trade with the sounds of merchants and construction keeping the area buzzing with the various cultures.

Whenever you travel it is best to rise early to partake in the historical sites, visit museums, but while in Istanbul you must drink tea, enjoy a Turkish breakfast or visit public bathing called ḥammām.

Faith [historically Constantinople] is the capital district in Istanbul, and Beyazit Square is located in the European section of the city.

Mihrimah Sultan Mosque [Ottoman] near the fountain of Sultan Ahmed III in Faith Turkey

Kilic Ali Pasa Hamami 
Every visitor to Istanbul should experience a Turkish bath, and at Kilic Ali Pasa they offer the traditional ḥammām. This service includes an attendant who will wash and massage you., but no matter which service you choose you may use the facility for as long as you wish.

One of the most picturesque sights in Turkey is the Ortaköy Mosquethat sits on Bosphorus. Designed by Armenian architect Garabet Balyan in 1855 in neo-Baroque style.

Most churches and mosque have exquisite features, and these 13th century Byzantine mosaic’s in the Hagia Sophia are absolutely spectacular.

Travel stylishly,
K

Posted on

Ancient City of Thebes, Luxor

Luxor, the ancient city of Thebes, and the capital of {Upper} Egypt during the New Kingdom, may well have been an important site as early as the Middle Kingdom. During the reign of Hatshepsut the road linking Luxor to Karnak began, and under the pharaoh Amenhotep III Luxor first came into prominence. Ramses II erected a number of statues of himself in addition to enormous pylons and obelisks.

The road to Luxor from Karnak is lined with sphinxes, creatures with the body of a lion and head of a man, which represents the pharaoh Amon. Thebes was a city of importance both politically and culturally, and was ideally situated to facilitate trade between Egypt and Nubia {Sudan}. Columns with papyrus capitals line the colonnade into Luxor and are an amazing site to experience once the sun goes down, and nothing compares to seeing the columns and statues lit up at night. Your mind races, as you are transported back in time, dreaming of walking through the avenues of this ancient city.

Travel stylishly,
K