Istanbul Old City: Part 2

 On Monday, September 21, we drove to the Topkapi Palace, which was the principal palace of the Ottoman Sultans for more than 400 years.

 

We broke for lunch nearby, then went down to the Basilica Cistern, a huge water vault from the time that Hagia Sophia was built (sixth century.  Supported by rows of columns recycled from ancient Greek and Roman buildings.  Very impressive.

 

Then, we walked to the Grand Bazaar, where we were left on our own for awhile.

 

That evening, Mary Joy and I had a very nice dinner at a restaurant called Salon, down the street  from our hotel.