A Tree Falling

Monday, October 26, 2026

Eastern Europe 2026, Istanbul, Asian Side

Our magical trip to Eastern Europe concluded with a day spent on the Asian side of Istanbul, my first trip to that continent.

Our guide and driver from Brit & Berat took us first to the Grand Camlica Mosque, the largest mosque in Turkey capable of holding up to 63,000 worshippers.

The mosque has six minarets which represent the six articles of Islamic faith. Four of the six minarets feature three balconies that stand 107.1 meters high in recognition of the Seljuk Victory at Manzikert in 1071.

The interior of the mosque was reportedly designed with a "more minimalist approach," but that's not the word I would use to describe it. "Breathtaking" seems more appropriate. The instructions on the sign in the lower right interject a little harsh reality, though.

I'm a sucker for a hypnotic ceiling pattern. This absolutely qualifies.

The lone visitor gives a little sense of just how cavernous the mosque's interior is.

Even in a building this large, some spaces for quiet contemplation still exist.

Next up: Beylerbeyi Palace, with its terraced gardens and beautiful location on the shores of the Bosphorous.

The Sea Pavilions flanking the palace were designed to impress visitors arriving by boat. I also rather liked the wrought iron seats.

We took a ferry back to the European side of the city, which gave me an opportunity for something resembling street photography when I noticed this gentleman in a contemplative moment.

The Maiden's Tower in the lower right has several legends associated with it, and this view of the Istanbul skyline was one of our final sights of this wonderful city.

A tremendous trip to a region I really hadn't thought much about. Goes to show that the world is full of wonder, and having an open mind about where you travel can lead to unexpected and unforgettable memories!

Related Links: