istanbul (not constantinople)

just got back from a week in europe. most of the time was spent in zurich but i also got the chance to make a brief visit to istanbul. some pics

blue mosque


entrance


inside the blue mosque. incredible detailing


hagia sophia


inside the grand bazaar. been around since the 1400's. largest indoor market in the world with something like 4000 shops. we got lost...a lot


we stumbled across a shop in the bazaar selling incredible illustrations from antique turkish books. i bought a print that is supposedly from the 1700s. here's an example


topkapi palace. entranceway to a room housing mohammed's relics


sunset on the bosphorus


i was only there for two days. a longer trip is definitely in order. speaking of istanbul does anyone remember the muppet babies episode where they sing the TMBG song?? i could only find a video of the tiny toons version