Two days is not long enough to gather even a sense of what this amazing city has to offer. Thankfully, given that I now live in Izmir, I am only one hour-long, inexpensive plane ticket away from a re-visit. And I shall be going back sooner rather than later.
This visit was a chapel-sponsored pilgrimage for anyone interested in visiting a group of sites that are significant to Christians. Istanbul is filled with history and rich in religious tradition, though at this moment in time its Christian heritage is sometimes overshadowed. Our group was fortunate enough to have a local historian and fellow Christian who could take us from site to site, explaining the significance of each site. It was both sobering and helpful to feel what it must be like to live in a country where Christianity is a minority religion. I'll try to give you a highlight tour of what we did and saw.
Meeting the head of the Eastern Orthodox Church
Housed in an unassuming looking monastery in a corner of the old city in Istanbul is a the residence of the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church. Our group was fortunate enough to be invited to meet the Patriarch and listen to his words of encouragement.
Visiting the Hagia Sophia
Undoubtedly, visiting this building was the highlight of the tour for me. I love European history and this edifice, which sits in the city that straddles the east and west, has watched the comings and goings of whole empires. It's housed both religious leaders as well as terrified citizens. It's been a holy site for both Christians and Muslims. Its been a church, a mosque and a museum. Its withstood earthquakes and (after it's timber roof was permanently replaced by its magnificent and innovative dome) fires, invasions and neglect. Though almost all of the Christian icons are currently covered, there was one mosaic of Christ visible and I was glad to be able to see it because the sheet intended to cover it had slipped down.
To put the building's grandeur into perspective, it left my teenage son speechless. And if you have teens, you know how hard it is to impress them!! Every time I turned around I saw Jack standing and looking up, unaffected by the press of people around him. I loved watching this happen and was really grateful to experience this moment with my son. (Also met some lovely people because I was often asked to take pictures for them. One couple from Kyrgyzstan even asked for a joint selfie, and who was I to say no? : )
Various Christian Churches and Cemeteries in the Old City
We took time to visit a number of other Christian sites, most of which were Greek Orthodox with one or two Catholic ones as well. Most of these buildings have histories dating at back two or three hundred years.
Galata Tower
Our final activity was a walk that finished with us in front of the Galata Tower. The walk itself was lovely (historic, twisting side streets are my fav : ) and the ability to go up the tower and observe the city was equally enjoyable. We could even see the Hagia Sophia from our vantage point, which seemed like an appropriate way to finish our pilgrimage. (And by that point Jack stated that he was DONE smiling for pictures : )
So that's the summary of my first trip to Istanbul! It was amazing. I am already on taking another trip as soon as I am able, there is so much to see and do (and do again : ) If you'd like a more detailed itinerary of where we went and what we saw, drop me a line! I'll send you the list that I have!
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