miss b's quote

'I haven't been everywhere yet but it's on my list' Susan Sontag

Sunday 26 February 2012

miss b loves .........Istanbul



Next week I'm off to Istanbul again for a long weekend and I'm so excited - it's one of my favourite cities. Looking through my photos from our last visit I remembered that I had intended writing a post about two amazing places - the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia .......so here it is!

The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet 1 and construction began in 1609 - sadly he died one year after it was completed at the age of twenty-seven. It is unusual for a mosque to have six minarets -  one story suggests that the Sultan directed the architect to create gold (altin) minarets, which was apparently misunderstoood as six (alti) minarets!

None of the exterior is blue - the name 'Blue Mosque' comes from the tiles inside.


Hagia Sophia, a museum since 1931, was originally a church until 1453 when Sultan Mehmet the Conqueror, amazed by its beauty, converted it into his imperial mosque.
Christian and Muslim art



 No trip to Istanbul would be complete though without a wander around the wonderful, vibrant Grand Bazaar, with its 5000 shops!!!! Beautiful rugs, lamps, jewellery, pottery..........

I could have happily spent the whole weekend in there and will no doubt be returning .... so much choice but I finally made my decision and was so pleased with my souvenirs.......
Two gorgeous bracelets

Turkish Delight
 - of course!

and a traditional Iznik ceramic stand which has inspired a new kitchen colour scheme............

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37 comments:

  1. Clara Turbay26 February 2012 at 12:24

    Very creative and chic. Your style is great.

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  2. Andreea26 February 2012 at 15:21

    That's amazing! Istanbul? Wow! Wish i could visit:)

    xoxo

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  3. Cinnamon and White Chocolate26 February 2012 at 16:15

    i've never been to istanbul and i'd really like to go..
    thanks for the great photos:)

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  4. French Girl in Seattle26 February 2012 at 17:18

    I have heard so many positive reviews about Turkey. I guess I will have to visit one day.. In the meantime, I am happy to be able to read stories like yours to get introduced to that country's amazing culture, architecture and art work. Beautiful bracelets, by the way. Bon voyage! Veronique (French Girl in Seattle)

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    Replies
    1. miss b26 February 2012 at 17:52

      Yes, you really must try to go there one day - well worth the long journey for you!

      Delete
  5. Katelyn @ Pure Panache26 February 2012 at 17:55

    Sounds absolutely fabulous! I've never been to Turkey, but so many people have told me how wonderful a place it is to visit. It's now officially on my list! Hope you have a fab long weekend there! Can't wait to hear all about it!

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  6. Anne26 February 2012 at 20:22

    Have a fabulous time! I am sure you will have fabulous photos to share on your return:)
    ~Anne

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  7. miss b26 February 2012 at 20:47

    Thanks, Anne and Katelyn - hopefully I'll have some good photos!

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  8. Outside Looking In27 February 2012 at 00:18

    What beautiful pictures! I'd love to visit one day too! Thanks for the cyber tour! Beautiful bracelets--hope you find more goodies!


    www.wayoutsidelookingin.blogspot.com

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  9. Dasha Gold27 February 2012 at 01:45

    Thanks lovely! Interesting blog

    xx
    Dasha Gold
    www.thetrendspotter.net

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  10. Leslie27 February 2012 at 05:18

    WOW! That sounds amazing. Looking forward to hearing the details of your trip along with a few photos. Have a safe flight!

    xx
    leslie

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  11. Marta27 February 2012 at 07:58

    Istanbul is an amazing city! I went there many times, it's near my country! Hope you have a great time there!!!

    http://www.martasfashiondiary.com/

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  12. Ioana-Carmen27 February 2012 at 08:12

    Nice post! Check my blog and follow me if you want!
    Ioana

    http://www.fashionspot.ro/

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  13. Ruth Arthasya27 February 2012 at 13:08

    Istanbul. Sounds lovely and warm<3

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  14. Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou27 February 2012 at 15:16

    Amazing architecture! Thank you for taking us on a brief visit to Istanbul! And the Grand Bazaar with 5,000 shops? Oh my goodness, you really could spend DAYS there!!! Love the trinkets you picked up and I bet your new kitchen color looks fabulous!

    Thanks for stopping by my place, darling ... hope you have a wonderful week! ~xoSM

    Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou
    http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

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  15. Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou27 February 2012 at 15:44

    Just left a comment but forgot to answer your question ... the song on Pink Valentine Novelette Part III is from the "Something's Gotta Give" soundtrack and it's called "Samba de mon coeur qui bat" ... I love ALL of the songs from this soundtrack, it's one of my absolute favorites! ~xoSM

    Sandy at Ooh La Frou Frou
    http://oohlafroufrou.blogspot.com

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    Replies
    1. miss b27 February 2012 at 16:08

      Thanks, Sandy, for letting me know about the French song.

      Delete
  16. noone27 February 2012 at 15:59

    sounds lovely, I've never been but would LOVE to go there one day. take lots of pictures and share! have a safe and fun trip!

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  17. PAPS27 February 2012 at 16:29

    Gorgeous stuff. This is one place I want to visit one day. Hope you can visit my blog and see whether you like to follow each other. Let me know and will follow you right back.
    www.thoughtsofpaps.com

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  18. Aurelia 27 February 2012 at 17:33

    beautiful photos, very interesting blog - have a great time in Intanbul, I love this city too.
    http://aprettylife13.blogspot.com/

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  19. Le Style27 February 2012 at 18:46

    Looks great, have a great time!

    XO

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  20. tinajo27 February 2012 at 19:17

    Istanbul sounds so great - enjoy! :-)

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  21. A Very Sweet Blog27 February 2012 at 20:57

    Hey Miss B! The Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia are simply gorgeous. It still amazes me how such intricate and beautiful architecture was made back then. They didn't nearly have the equipment that we do today. It's more beautiful than what we have today. haha Have a great trip and I know you will find even more goodies to love. I love that bracelet. Enjoy! Thank you so much for your kind words. I really appreciated it. ((HUG))
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  22. Stacy CUrran27 February 2012 at 22:41

    Sorry my earlier comment wouldn't publish -- hope this one will! Anyway, it looks amazing!~
    Stacy

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  23. Fashion-isha28 February 2012 at 00:02

    Lucky you! I love middle East design and culture! Thanks so much for stopping by! I'm following and hope you come back and follow as well!
    xo
    Sharon

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  24. Leslie Quiros28 February 2012 at 02:55

    sounds amazing and looks amaziiing! you must be having a spectacular time!
    xo,
    LMQ

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  25. aki!28 February 2012 at 07:18

    I've never been here before but I've wanted to go ever since I heard that song--Istanbul was once Constantinople.

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  26. tracie c.28 February 2012 at 13:01

    Lovely blog! Thank you so much for popping by mine and saying hello! Really loving that inspiration stand! WOW GREAT COLORS!!!!!
    Happy travels to you!
    Tracie

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  27. Yvette28 February 2012 at 13:10

    never been there but seriously want to!

    xx Yvette

    Join my give-away!
    www.afashionhouseofcards.blogspot.com

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  28. THE ALTERNATIVE WIFE28 February 2012 at 13:13

    Oh have fun! I've always wanted to visit Istanbul. :)

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  29. Paris Pastry28 February 2012 at 13:19

    So beautiful! I really want to visit Istanbul and browse/shop for interesting things :) Have fun this weekend! x

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  30. D&G ESSEX28 February 2012 at 13:22

    the blue mosque is beautiful...have a wonderful time and take lots of pictures to share with us... ~Grace

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  31. Head to Toe Chic29 February 2012 at 01:46

    These pictures are stunning!

    xo,
    Angela
    headtotoechic.blogspot.com

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  32. Cee29 February 2012 at 02:11

    I've never been to Istanbul but I'm dying to visit - my parents went a few years ago and loved it. I hope you have a wonderful time! Make sure to take lots of photos to share with us :)
    xox,
    Cee

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  33. Michelle29 February 2012 at 03:08

    AHHH! That makes me so totally jealous!! I would love to visit!!

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Thank you for taking the time to write a comment on my blog. I really do appreciate it. miss b

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