Travel is more than the seeing of sights
It is a change
That goes on,
Deep and permanent,
in the ideas of living

Miriam Beard

Many interesting histories came alive in these walks

HAGIA SOPHIA The domes have spectacular light and shade effects

From the medical perspective

As I walked around this area saw a building between Hagia Sophia and Hagia Irene which is the only remaining building site of the 24 hospitals for the public mentioned in records. The Eye department of this hospital was said to be particularly well developed. Got to mention this to my Ophthalmology friends.

Other links of interest

Blue Mosque-Sultanahmet

https://prashantbhatt.com/2014/11/04/sultanahmet-walks/

Mevlana Museum, the shrine of Jalaludin Rumi and other important figures of this spiritual movement. The relations between Asia Minor, Constantinople, Europe come alive through the many exhibits related to books, music. The rose garden around the museum is a particularly charming place to sit in the winter sun.

BOSPHORUS CRUISE

Bosphorus

https://plus.google.com/+PrashantBhattradmanager/stories/b5fa0f12-3032-3767-81e9-3309d0f01e4e14a11008437

https://prashantbhatt.com/2014/11/07/mevlana-walks-konya-a-lesson-on-mentorship/

RUMELI FORT.built by Mehmet 11. Nice sea breeze and views, carrying many currents of centuries

https://prashantbhatt.com/2014/11/08/bosphorus-cruise/

Mosaic. The faces of St John and Virgin Mary are said to be serious as they are asking Jesus to forgive.

https://prashantbhatt.com/2014/11/09/hagia-sophia/

From a mentor’s perspective

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS-brought back fond memories of friends, family from Balkans who played similar instruments

A carpet weaver asked me if I had visited the Tomb of Shams.

“No one knows where Shams is, how he disappeared. Even Rumi could not find him in his life time, and many of his spiritual poems speak of this loss and love. So how can there be a tomb of Shams,” I asked this local person of Konya.
He agreed that no one knows where is Shams.

But then, Shams is everywhere.

12-13 August-2015

Visited Istanbul again, on way to Tripoli after a brief visit to India.

Went to Gulhane park, as I had gone in March -2015 , on way to Toronto

Gulhane Park-March 2015

Gulhane Park Istanbul-Column of Goths-August 2015