Posted May 31, 2013, 2:48 AM
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Hong Kong
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Join Date: Jan 2002
Posts: 8,534
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I have many more parts to come.
The Hippodrome was originally built in the 3rd century. Once thought to hold 100,000, the stadium is no more than a park today. In this photo, the octagonal German Fountain was a gift from Emperor Wilhelm II to the Sultan in 1898.
The Egyptian Obelisk was taken from the Temple of Karnak in Luxor in AD 390. Believed to date from 1500 BC, the obelisk was carved to celebrate the victories of Pharaoh Thutmosis III.
The Column of Constantine is in far worse condition, stripped of its bronze cover by the Crusaders.
Today's Hippodrome is a big public space where tour groups parade down to view the obelisks and enter the Blue Mosque.
The Blue Mosque was commissioned by Sultan Ahmet I in the early 1600's as an imperial mosque. With 6 minarets, it stirred up rivalry with Mecca, which was not kindly received.
Ayasofya dates from the 6th century and was converted from church to mosque in the 15th century. Today, it is neither, but a museum only. Inside, stunning Byzantine mosaics grace the mosque.
The Ottomans plastered over Roman mosaics, which are slowly being rediscovered.
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