The long haul into Istanbul was just as many had warned me. It seemed to start soon after leaving Silivri. I did manage to avoid the highway completely, which was quite an achievement, but got caught up in all the suburban chaos as a result.
Night image is Constantine's Column in Istanbul a couple of hours after arriving.
I have learnt something more about Constantine from first seeing the Arch of Constantine in Rome: Constantine I (the Great) became first Roman Emperor to be converted to Christianity. He was behind the Roman power base shifting East to Byzantium which he renamed Constantinople. He became Emperor (Augustus) for the combined Eastern and Western Empires in 324AD. The Eastern Byzantine Empire would continue for another thousand years. He has been a significant figure in the history of Christianity.
There is much to see here in the city that straddles the continents of Europe and Asia and, later this afternoon, Sandra arrives to share the experience with me.
Night image is Constantine's Column in Istanbul a couple of hours after arriving.
I have learnt something more about Constantine from first seeing the Arch of Constantine in Rome: Constantine I (the Great) became first Roman Emperor to be converted to Christianity. He was behind the Roman power base shifting East to Byzantium which he renamed Constantinople. He became Emperor (Augustus) for the combined Eastern and Western Empires in 324AD. The Eastern Byzantine Empire would continue for another thousand years. He has been a significant figure in the history of Christianity.
There is much to see here in the city that straddles the continents of Europe and Asia and, later this afternoon, Sandra arrives to share the experience with me.
fabulous. You have done us proud
ReplyDeleteHello to Sandra. Enjoy the time there xxx
Thanks Caroline. In a chaotic city Sandra and I (finally) found each other in Taksim Square.
DeleteWe are staying near to the main historic sights in the busiest area in Sultanhamet