The Center of History 9.10.23

 We started the day with class and critiques.  As with other workshops, we’re asked to turn in photos from the trip.  This is my favorite part of the workshop because we get to see so many perspectives of the same location from our fellow photographers.

Liza arranged for a private performance of the Whirling Dervishes.  This is a religious, meditative ritual that involves music and robed men and twirling.  Marching into the theater clothed in black robes, the haunting music accompanied the circular marching and twirling.  There was a definite form to the dance with bowing and turning to a slow rhythm. At the completion of the ceremony, they all marched out in the same contemplative march that started the dance.  There’s no clapping as this would be akin to clapping after a sermon.

After a fast lunch we walked to the Topkapi Palace.  We were turned loose to wonder the grounds.  The Palace housed a Haram at one point  which we were allowed walk through the maze of rooms.  It was evident that the Sultan lived quite well in the opulent quarters.  Large groups of tourists filled the rooms and the lush courtyards.  A plaza allowed views of the busy Bospherus in the near distance.

After our visit to the Palace we were hoping the line to visit the Hagia Sofia would be manageable, but it still wrapped around the park and did not appear to be shortening.  We wondered the grounds near the fountains waiting for sunset.  As sunset approached we made our way to the Seven Hills restaurant which has a rooftop area where you have perfect views of the Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque.  The owner has also added a terrace where seagulls can be fed with the leftover fish and French fries provided by the restaurant.  As the sun fell below the horizon, the lights illuminated the two mosques while the sky glowed orange.  It was a beautiful way to end our day.

Tomorrow: The Galatea Tower