The Sokollu Mehmet Paşa Mosque, right next to our apartments, was built by the great architect Sinan. Built on a steep slope, this is the view of the top of the mosque from the top corner of the walls.

The courtyard and fountain, with the neighborhood in the background.

Cemetery just outside the mosque.

Stalactite architecture over the entrance door.

The inside of the Hagia Sophia.

Aydin with one of the many support pillars that have, over the centuries, begun to lean.

About 60,000 cargo ships pass through the Bosphorus each year, the only way in our out of  the Black Sea.  Note the fortress in the background built in 1452 when Mhemet was trying to conquer the city.

Ships in the foreground, the first Bosphorus bridge in the background.

On Monday it rained.  Note the river going down the street in front of the shop.