Grand, indeed! 2011

Colorful Turkish textiles. 

The Grand bazaar is one of the largest and oldest covered markets.

World famous Turkish tiles.

I've always loved Ottoman mosaic lamps.

I wish I could take all of these home!

The Grand Bazaar.  Istanbul, Turkey.  June 2, 2011.

Inviting Istanbul 2011

Archway by the Sultan Ahmed Mosque,
popularly called the Blue Mosque because...

...the mosque's interior is decked out with blue tiles.
The mosque is filled with delighted tourists...

...like us!

A pretty door near the Topkapi palace.

My sister with a beautiful wall of Turkish tiles in the Topkapi palace.

The "Kubbealti" or the domed room, where the Ottoman Imperial Council held its deliberations.
Our tour guide said the emperor would listen in
the secret conversations through that golden screen.

My mother's favorite place in Istanbul.  The grand bazaar!
Pictures of the inside in another post.

Tour of Istanbul.  June 2, 2011.