Have you heard of Turkish Delights? For those in the states, they're sort of like Applets and Cotlets, but can be a whole lot better! Our hotel gave us a mini-box of them - one was pistachio, can't remember the other flavor, but it was delicious as well. The pistachio one was amazing. Soft with a dusting of sugar and such flavor! Sort of like a Jelly Belly kapow compared to a jelly bean. Wonder if there's a place to get the real ones here. Anyone?
Okay, back to my original thoughts for this post: We're almost at the end of our stay in Istanbul. One of the many things I loved about the city was the Bohemian feel to it.
Wonderful patterns exist everywhere: in their handwoven rugs, architecture, fabric, lamps... I thought I'd share some of the photographs I took of the incredible patterns I found at Topkapi Palace. The palace was built in the 15th century and is as ornate, luxurious and over-the-top decorated as any castle in Western Europe. In fact it reminded me of the palaces in St. Petersburg with the gold and pattern so it's a mixture of East and West. Topkapi Palace was said to be a city within a city with its own water supply (Byzantine, 6th century, era cisterns) and library.Inspiration in pattern and shapes.
Iznik tile - notice the Evil Eye imagery
Mother of Pearl inlaid cabinet doors
Isn't their script beautiful?
Byzantine cistern