@ Hagia Sophia in the moonlight, Istanbul Belle begins its tour of "Turkey: Marmara 1". Merhaba nasılsınız! Hagia Sophia in the moonlight, Istanbul A stunning view, by moonlight of The Holy Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque in Istanbul, was built in 537 as the Church of Hagia Sophia and was the largest Christian church of the eastern Roman Empire. In 1453 with the fall of Constantinople to the Ottoman Empire, it was converted into a Mosque.
While travelling Turkey, you met Midnight Bleu.
Belle shook paws with Midnight Bleu the Blue Beautiful Unicorn. They both received one silver mole!
@ Fresco, Museum Of The Ancient East You can fly to just about everywhere from Istanbul 's Atatürk Airport, thanks to flag carrier Turkish Airlines’ 260-and-counting destinations. A modern fleet of aircraft has helped the fast-growing airline win Best Airline in Europe for four years running. Fresco, Museum Of The Ancient East The Eastern Museum is located in the Archaeological Museum complex, next to the famous Topkapi Palace and Gulhane Park in Istanbul. The museum displays more than a million exhibits showcasing the history and cultures, spanning over 8,500 years, of Istanbul. This particular fresco is of a goat, perhaps because the goat is one of the animals that are used in the Kurban Bayram (Feast of the sacrifice). There is also an idiom in Turkey when translated means, Losing the goat, meaning to have lost your mind.
While travelling Turkey, you met Pricilla.
Belle shook paws with Pricilla the Ragdoll Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Fresco Lion, Museum Of The Ancient East "It says in our tour guide that the city now known as Istanbul was originally called Byzantium, which is of Greek origin and refers to Byzas, the founder of the city," said Sheba. "In the year 324, it was renamed as Constantinople, and in 1930 it was changed to Istanbul." "That's a bit easier to spell than Constantinople!" responded Belle. "Where's the difficulty? C-O-N - that's the Con. S-T-A-N - that's the stan. T-I-N, that's the tin. O-P-L-E——" "Okay, I take it back, Belle!" Fresco Lion, Museum Of The Ancient East A fresco in the Museum of the Ancient East. In Turkish, Lion is Arslan, changing to Aslan in the last century. The lion represents courage, bravery, royalty, and chivalry.
While travelling Turkey, you met Sheba.
Belle shook paws with Sheba the Silver Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Cogs And Gears " 'Just as Rome was, the city now called Istanbul was built on seven hills'," read out Belle from the brochure. " 'It was called Nova Roma, or New Rome. All seven hills are historically significant and studded with impressive mosques and gorgeous palaces.' " "C'mon, then, Belle. What are the names of the seven hills?" queried Silky teasingly. Belle eyed the polysyllablic list and closed the brochure. "You can read up about them later," it said with dignity. Cogs And Gears This display is located in the former Imperial Stables Building in Gülhane Park. The museum, Istanbul Museum of the History of Science and Technology in Islam, was opened on 25 May 2008 and displays replicas, there are no originals, of 9th and 16th-century scientific instruments of Muslim scholars.
While travelling Turkey, you met Silky.
Belle shook paws with Silky the Ragdoll Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Park In Fall, Istanbul "Have you noticed that you can haggle with a vendor in the bazaar to get the price down, Adept Sanitation Juggernaut?" "Yes, it's quite fun, Belle! Perhaps we should do that in Asda at home!" Park In Fall, Istanbul The trees are changing colour and leaves are forming a carpet. There are numerous beautiful parks in Istanbul that you can leisurely stroll around.
While travelling Turkey, you met Adept Sanitation Juggernaut.
Belle shook paws with Adept Sanitation Juggernaut the Multi-Functional Robot. They both received one silver mole!
Adept Sanitation Juggernaut and you found 75 Travel Tokens!
@ Coast at night, Izmit. "The tour guide has just explained that we'll cross the two continents in Istanbul by going up one side of the Galata Bridge and down the other, Belle," explained Melodee. "It connects the two sides, so pets in Istanbul can walk across starting in one continent and ending in another." "Sounds like a great idea, Melodee!" Coast at night, Izmit. Izmit is in the Marmara region of Turkey, east of Istanbul at the tip of the long and narrow Gulf of Izmit of the Sea of Marmara, heading towards the east, and it is the capital of the province of Kocaeli. Izmit was known as Nicomedia in antiquity and was the capital of the Roman Empire between 286 and 324. Because of the geography of the area, the city started on the flat plains, near the ocean, and consists of the city center and the second part was built on the hills.
While travelling Turkey, you met Melodee.
Belle shook paws with Melodee the Midnight Mauve Unicorn. They both received one silver mole!
@ The Blue Mosque, Istanbul "It says in our tour guide that the city now known as Istanbul was originally called Byzantium, which is of Greek origin and refers to Byzas, the founder of the city," said Charbon. "In the year 324, it was renamed as Constantinople, and in 1930 it was changed to Istanbul." "That's a bit easier to spell than Constantinople!" responded Belle. "Where's the difficulty? C-O-N - that's the Con. S-T-A-N - that's the stan. T-I-N, that's the tin. O-P-L-E——" "Okay, I take it back, Belle!" The Blue Mosque, Istanbul The Blue Mosque, also known by its official name, the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an Ottoman-era historical imperial mosque—constructed between 1609 and 1616. Hand-painted blue tiles adorn the mosque’s interior walls, and at night the exterior of the mosque is lit with blue lights.
While travelling Turkey, you met Charbon.
Belle shook paws with Charbon the Black Lovable Labrador. They both received one silver mole!
@ Hazy Skies, Istanbul Oh look ... you found a picturesque rock! Hazy Skies, Istanbul A bird decides to get in the picture and lends another bit of interest to this scene of a mosque under a hazy Istanbul sky.
While travelling Turkey, you met Talos.
Belle shook paws with Talos the Snow Leopard. They both received one silver mole!
@ Town Center, Istanbul "Ooh, Belle, did you know that Istanbul is the last stop for the famous Simplon Orient Express? It is called the 'king of trains and train of kings'.” "I can't think of the Orient Express without thinking of Agatha Christie's fine novel, Mandy! It would be fabulous to do the whole trip on it, though!" Town Center, Istanbul The Galata Tower can be seen in the background of this scene of the Town Center, Istanbul. Currently a museum, the Galata Tower was built as a watchtower, part of the Walls Of Galata. The tower was built in 1348.
While travelling Turkey, you met Mandy.
Belle shook paws with Mandy the Brown Funky Monkey. They both received one silver mole!
@ Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul "Have you noticed that you can haggle with a vendor in the bazaar to get the price down, Cutey Purr?" "Yes, it's quite fun, Belle! Perhaps we should do that in Asda at home!" Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul Dolmabahce Palace is the largest palace in Turkey. Commissioned by Sultan Abdül Mecit in 1843. Dolmabahce Palace was the first European-style palace in Istanbul, and it is impressive. Built to hide the fact that the Ottoman Empire was in decline. Construction of this two-floor palace began in 1843 and was finished in 1856. The palace contains 285 rooms, 44 halls, 68 toilets, and 6 baths–fourteen tons of gold were used to gild the ceilings. Dolmabahce Palace has the largest collection of Bohemian and Baccarat crystal chandeliers in the world. The price tag was five million Ottoman gold coins, the current equivalent of 35 tons of gold.
While travelling Turkey, you met Cutey Purr.
Belle shook paws with Cutey Purr the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Old City Wall, Defense, Istanbul "Have you noticed that you can haggle with a vendor in the bazaar to get the price down, Anwyn?" "Yes, it's quite fun, Belle! Perhaps we should do that in Asda at home!" Old City Wall, Defense, Istanbul The Walls of Constantinople or The Theodosian Walls—first built by Theodosius II, 408-450 CE—were defensive walls against the Huns and the Goths. They were bounded on the land side by a moat, and ships guarded the seaward side. The Ottoman Empire broke through the walls in 1453, thus ending Constantinople. The ancient walls were torn down as the city expanded, and today there are but a few places where you can still see remnants of the old walls.
While travelling Turkey, you met Anwyn.
Belle shook paws with Anwyn the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ Istiklal street, Istanbul İztuzu Beach, just west of Fethiye, is a major breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. The turtles arrive between May and October, climbing ashore at the exact site of their birth to lay a new generation of eggs. The beach sees around 300 nests dug each year. Istiklal street, Istanbul Historically known as The Grand Avenue of Pera, Istiklal Street is one of the most famous avenues in Istanbul. This 1.4 km (0.87 mi) long street was a popular spot for Ottoman intellectuals. Today it is a mix of old and new, with shops of every description, movie houses, restaurants, bars, live music, museums. Istiklal Street has a tram system that runs up and down the avenue.
While travelling Turkey, you met Bindy.
Belle shook paws with Bindy the Brown Funky Monkey. They both received one silver mole!
@ Aerial View, Istanbul "The tour guide has just explained that we'll cross the two continents in Istanbul by going up one side of the Galata Bridge and down the other, Belle," explained Baile Átha Cliath. "It connects the two sides, so pets in Istanbul can walk across starting in one continent and ending in another." "Sounds like a great idea, Baile Átha Cliath!" Aerial View, Istanbul An aerial view of Metropolitan Istanbul, where you can see some of the tallest buildings in the city. The tallest building to date–which you can see in the background— is the 369-meter (1,211-foot) Camlica telecommunications tower, which features 360 -degree views, cafes, exhibit spaces, restaurants and observation decks.
While travelling Turkey, you met Baile Átha Cliath.
Belle shook paws with Baile Átha Cliath the Green Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ View from Suleymaniye mosque to Bosphorus, Istanbul İztuzu Beach, just west of Fethiye, is a major breeding ground for the endangered loggerhead sea turtle. The turtles arrive between May and October, climbing ashore at the exact site of their birth to lay a new generation of eggs. The beach sees around 300 nests dug each year. View from Suleymaniye mosque to Bosphorus, Istanbul Located in the district of Fatih, the Suleymaniye Mosque is one of the most important structures from the Ottoman era. Construction of the Mosque started in 1550 and ended in 1557. Overlooking the Strait of Istanbul, The Bosphorus, which divides Turkey by separating Anatolia from Thrace.
While travelling Turkey, you met Frank.
Belle shook paws with Frank the Gibby. They both received one silver mole!
@ Mosque At Sunset Overlooking Bosphorus Oh look ... you found a picturesque rock! Mosque At Sunset Overlooking Bosphorus As another day ends and birds make their way to their roosting places for the night, the sun sinks, leaving a splash of red across the sky.
While travelling Turkey, you met Zuri.
Belle shook paws with Zuri the Lilac Daydream Unicorn. They both received one silver mole!
@ The Maiden's Tower, Istanbul "Oh, Moonabelle, listen to this. Leonardo da Vinci was almost responsible for the design of the Galata Bridge in Istanbul." "Only almost, Belle?" "It says here that in 1502 'Sultan Beyazid II asked da Vinci to design a bridge that would span the Golden Horn. Following the three geometric principles of the pressed-bow, parabolic curve and keystone arch, da Vinci’s design would have been the world’s longest bridge at that time, but the Sultan did not approve it'. "Do you think he kicked himself ever afterwards, Belle? It's a bit like that record company turning down the Beatles, isn't it?" The Maiden's Tower, Istanbul On a tiny islet at the southern entrance of the Bosphorus stands a reconstructed tower/little castle. Thought to have been first built around 340 BCE. The structure was pulled down when the Ottoman army attacked and a wooden building was put up in replacement—which was destroyed by fire in 1719. Istanbul’s head architect rebuilt a stone version, and a glass kiosk and lead-covered dome were later added.
This is a very popular tourist destination and there are quite a few legends that have been ascribed to The Maiden's Tower. One such story is about Leandros, a young man who fell in love with a nun named Hero. Hero lived in the tower and every night, she built a fire to guide her lover to the islet. However, one night, the fire was put out by a storm and Leandros lost his way and drowned in the Bosphorus. Hero was so overwhelmed by grief and loss, she committed suicide.
While travelling Turkey, you met Moonabelle.
Belle shook paws with Moonabelle the Moondust Squirrel. They both received one silver mole!
@ Topkapi Palace, Istanbul "Oh, Melinda, listen to this. Leonardo da Vinci was almost responsible for the design of the Galata Bridge in Istanbul." "Only almost, Belle?" "It says here that in 1502 'Sultan Beyazid II asked da Vinci to design a bridge that would span the Golden Horn. Following the three geometric principles of the pressed-bow, parabolic curve and keystone arch, da Vinci’s design would have been the world’s longest bridge at that time, but the Sultan did not approve it'. "Do you think he kicked himself ever afterwards, Belle? It's a bit like that record company turning down the Beatles, isn't it?" Topkapi Palace, Istanbul The Topkapi Palace, or the Seraglio, is a large museum in the east of the Fatih district of Istanbul in Turkey. In the 15th and 16th centuries, this huge palace served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans. Located in one of the oldest historical regions of Istanbul, the palace takes up around 700,000 square meters.
While travelling Turkey, you met Melinda.
Belle shook paws with Melinda the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ Fransiz Sokagi (French Street), Istanbul "Ooh, Belle, did you know that Istanbul is the last stop for the famous Simplon Orient Express? It is called the 'king of trains and train of kings'.” "I can't think of the Orient Express without thinking of Agatha Christie's fine novel, Shadow! It would be fabulous to do the whole trip on it, though!" Fransiz Sokagi (French Street), Istanbul The Alley of Cezayir Sokagi, also known as French Street or Fransiz Sokagi is in the area of the famous Istiklal Street. Known for colourful cozy cafes and live music.
While travelling Turkey, you met Shadow.
Belle shook paws with Shadow the Black Lovable Labrador. They both received one silver mole!
@ Quayside, Istanbul "Wow! You like trains, don't you, Belle? It says in our brochure that Istanbul is home to the Tünel, a short funicular that’s the world's second-oldest continuously running underground railway after the London Underground. It started operation on 17 January 1875." "Wow indeedy, Rowan! So Tünel means 'tunnel', presumably?" "It does indeed," confirmed Rowan. Quayside, Istanbul Located in the Fatih district of Istanbul, little boats line up along the quay waiting to take travellers from the airport to their hotels.
While travelling Turkey, you met Rowan.
Belle shook paws with Rowan the Black Lovable Labrador. They both received one silver mole!
@ Tophane Kasri (Palace), Istanbul " 'Just as Rome was, the city now called Istanbul was built on seven hills'," read out Belle from the brochure. " 'It was called Nova Roma, or New Rome. All seven hills are historically significant and studded with impressive mosques and gorgeous palaces.' " "C'mon, then, Belle. What are the names of the seven hills?" queried Edwina teasingly. Belle eyed the polysyllablic list and closed the brochure. "You can read up about them later," it said with dignity. Tophane Kasri (Palace), Istanbul The word Tophane means Cannon Factory. The pavilion was built near the factory by order of Sultan Abdul Majid I in 1852. The building was designed by the English architect William James Smith. The palace was used as a home while the Sultan and his officials visited the military shipyards and the cannon factory.
While travelling Turkey, you met Edwina.
Belle shook paws with Edwina the Brown Owl. They both received one silver mole!
@ Night Over Istanbul "Have you noticed that you can haggle with a vendor in the bazaar to get the price down, Midnite?" "Yes, it's quite fun, Belle! Perhaps we should do that in Asda at home!" Night Over Istanbul Sleep ancient city, sleep. Formerly known as Constantinople and lying between Europe and Asia this is the largest city in Turkey. Istanbul is the most populous city in Europe.
While travelling Turkey, you met Midnite.
Belle shook paws with Midnite the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
@ Galata Tower, evening. Istanbul Oh look ... you found a picturesque rock! Galata Tower, evening. Istanbul As dusk falls you can see the Galata Tower in the center of the photograph. Now the Galata Kulesi Museum, this tower was once a watchtower to defend the city. Built in 1348, it was once the tallest structure in Constantinople.
While travelling Turkey, you met Thurmy.
Belle shook paws with Thurmy the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Topkapi Tower, Istanbul, with Turkish flag " 'Just as Rome was, the city now called Istanbul was built on seven hills'," read out Belle from the brochure. " 'It was called Nova Roma, or New Rome. All seven hills are historically significant and studded with impressive mosques and gorgeous palaces.' " "C'mon, then, Belle. What are the names of the seven hills?" queried fluffy teasingly. Belle eyed the polysyllablic list and closed the brochure. "You can read up about them later," it said with dignity. Topkapi Tower, Istanbul, with Turkish flag The Topkapi Palace Museum, housing the imperial collections of the Ottoman Empire, was once the main residence of the Ottoman Sultans, for over 400 years.
While travelling Turkey, you met fluffy.
Belle shook paws with fluffy the Grey Playful Kitten. They both received one silver mole!
@ Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul "Ooh, Belle, did you know that Istanbul is the last stop for the famous Simplon Orient Express? It is called the 'king of trains and train of kings'.” "I can't think of the Orient Express without thinking of Agatha Christie's fine novel, Selene! It would be fabulous to do the whole trip on it, though!" Sultan Ahmed Mosque, Istanbul The Blue Mosque or formally known as The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is an Ottoman historical mosque created between 1609 and 1616. This is a very active tourist destination as well as a functioning Mosque.
While travelling Turkey, you met Selene.
Belle shook paws with Selene the Arctic Feisty Fox. They both received one silver mole!
@ Istanbul, Mosque, Sunset As Belle's tour of "Turkey: Marmara 1" comes to an end, it receives a wonderful gift! Grey Mountains, Rounded And Steep Jagged, steep, rounded, tree-filled or bare, snow-covered or subject to torrential rains—mountains are an outstanding feature on the landscape, they draw the eye, they inspire artists and climbers. Mountains affect the weather and can enclose an area of land creating valleys that are rich agricultural areas. Poems are written about mountains. Mountains are a haven for eagles and many forms of wildlife.
These marvellous mountain decorations will be perfect in your art slides whether you are making a mountain retreat for yourself or a home for your pets. Perhaps you have a pet who has always dreamed of going on a climbing expedition and making it to the top of the highest mountain. Used singly as a point of interest, or in multiples to create a whole mountain range, let your imagination soar. Istanbul, Mosque, Sunset As the setting sun paints the sky in shades of red and yellow, the silhouette of a Mosque in Istanbul stands as a centerpiece in this contemplative view of Istanbul. Belle has completed its tour of "Turkey: Marmara 1"! Please select another pet as visitor, so it can also tour Turkey!
While travelling Turkey, you met Alex.
Belle shook paws with Alex the Midnight Happy Dragon. They both received one silver mole!
Alex gave you 1 "Grey Mountains, Rounded And Steep"
Belle has completed the quest of
