This column is one of three very different columns displayed outside the Blue Mosque. This particular one is the top 18 m of a ~30 m granite column made in Egypt and brought to Istanbul by some emperor in the 4th century. I am creating this post without internet access otherwise I would look up the correct dates and names for you. I had a hard time believing that it was made so long ago with no power tools. The edges and surface were absolutely perfect, as though the column was cut by a large, sharp knife. The same applies to the perfect, smooth lines of the carvings. Those Egyptians had some skills!!!! And I cannot imagine how they erected it, just with man power. Amazing!
Two pictures showing the view of European Istanbul from the ferry to the Asian side. Taksim with the Galata tower and skyline of the Blue Mosque and Aya Sofia.
Last but not least, a mandatory lunch stop at Pilav Dünyasi (Pilaf World). James had eaten here many times on his last trip so this was a lunch stop of significant meaning and tradition. Mmm what a treat!
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