Page 36 - WINE DINE AND TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023 DISCOVERING TURKEY

THE HAGIA SOPHIA

The Hagia Sophia is one of our favorite archi-
tectural marvels on the planet. It’s command-
ing Byzantine domes and minarets share
Sultanahmet Square, along with the Blue
Mosque and Topkapi Palace.
During the Byzantine era, this area was a
hippodrome or racetrack used for chariot
races, and under Constantine in the 4th cen-
tury, for parades and public executions. Today
Sultanahmet Square remains a popular gath-
ering place, mostly for tourists. The park-like
pedestrian area is filled with gardens, and
sidewalks lined with benches most welcome
after long walks through the city. Finding a
shaded bench, though, is a challenge. Luckily,
we grabbed one right in front of the massive
German Fountain built to commemorate the
visit of a German Emperor in the late 1800s.
Evenings, its rhythmic fountains glow with
jewel toned lights.
Late afternoon on a weekday, we joined the
long queue to enter the mosque. Admission is
free and women are required to wear a head-
scarf and coat-like cover if wearing shorts.
There is a kiosk near the entrance where you
can purchase both for a nominal fee.

36 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE FALL 2023