![](/media/4181/photo-journal-istanbul-00-hero-hagia-sophia-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=1920&height=960&rnd=132844892990000000)
![](/media/4181/photo-journal-istanbul-00-hero-hagia-sophia-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=1920&height=960&rnd=132844892990000000)
![](/media/4180/photo-journal-istanbul-01-hagia-sophia-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=532&height=709&rnd=132844892970000000)
![](/media/4182/photo-journal-istanbul-02-hagia-sophia-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=532&height=709&rnd=132844893000000000)
![](/media/4185/photo-journal-istanbul-03-hagia-sophia-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=532&height=709&rnd=132844893050000000)
![](/media/4184/photo-journal-istanbul-04-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=532&height=709&rnd=132844893040000000)
Opening image: the Hagia Sophia is an architectural marvel. / It was originally a basilica, then a mosque, then a museum and then recently a mosque again. / My favourite time to visit is early evening. The light pink exterior looks magical as the sun begins to set, causing it to glow brightly in Sultanahmet Square. / The building is one of the most significant surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. / A visit to The Grand Bazaar is a must. With 4,000 shops and more than 60 streets and alleys, there’s a lot to choose from, including Turkish tea sets.
![](/media/4183/photo-journal-istanbul-05-blue-mosque-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=1920&height=960&rnd=132844893010000000)
![](/media/4187/photo-journal-istanbul-06-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=532&height=709&rnd=132844893090000000)
![](/media/4186/photo-journal-istanbul-07-atasehir-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=532&height=709&rnd=132844893070000000)
![](/media/4188/photo-journal-istanbul-08-blue-mosque-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?center=0.30534351145038169,0.48979591836734693&mode=crop&width=532&height=709&rnd=133324409270000000)
![](/media/4189/photo-journal-istanbul-09-galata-bridge-credit-nancy-lova.jpg?anchor=center&mode=crop&width=532&height=709&rnd=132844893130000000)
Top image: The Blue Mosque. All grand in size or detail, the many mosques of Istanbul were the main reason for my visit. / I particularly love the kilims at the Grand Bazaar. The patterns are layered with history. / The modern Mimar Sinan Mosque in the Ataşehir. / The Sultanahmet Mosque (Blue Mosque) was built in the early 17th century to rival the Hagia Sophia. / Galata Bridge, aka The Fishermen’s Bridge, is in the Golden Horn. Below it are decorative floating restaurants serving delicious balık ekmek (fish sandwiches).