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  3. ISTANBUL 2009

ISTANBUL 1 (Sultanahmet) October 6-7, 2009

These photos are from the first two days of our trip, Oct 6-7, during which time we did not leave the old city (the peninsula of Seraglio Point and Sultanahmet). Our hotel, the Adamar, is located centrally in the eastern part of the Peninsula, midway between the Golden Horn on the north and the Sea of Marmara on the south, and an equal distance (a little over a kilometer) from the Sea of Marmara on the east. We arrived at the hotel after dark, and first saw the major buildings at night. (Adjust your screen brightness as necessary.)
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    78. Many Christian mosaics were plastered over by iconoclasts in the 8th century, but were uncovered after Hagia Sophia (Aya Sofya) was declared a museum by Ataturk in 1935. This "Entreaty" mosaic dates from 1261. The Virgin Mary and John the Baptist are imploring the intercession of Christ Pantocrator for humanity on Judgment Day.
    79. This plaque describes the preceding mosaic.
    80. Comnenus mosaic, 1122. Virgin Mary in center in a dark blue gown, the Child Christ on her lap. He gives his blessing with his right hand while holding a scroll in his left hand. On the left, emperor John II Comnenus holds a purse, symbol of an imperial donation to the church. Empress Irene is on the right, offering a document.