Housed in a 19th century mansion in the neighborhood of Emirgan, the Sakıp Sabancı Museum features a permanent collection dedicated to calligraphic art, along with outstanding temporary exhibits. This was one of the surprise cultural highlights of our time in Istanbul.
The Istanbul History of Science and Technology in Islam Museum needs a new name. Look, Disneyland wouldn't be nearly as popular if it were called "The Anaheim Place of Enjoyment and Fun with Cartoon Characters Theme Park". Yes, we know exactly what to expect from the Istanbul History of Science and Technology in Islam Museum, but by the time we're done saying its name, we no longer feel like going!
There were experiences I expected to have during our time in Istanbul: eating delicious döner and baklava, visiting mosques, and ferrying across the Bosphorus. But exploring the innards of a decommissioned WWII-era submarine? Nope, I wasn't expecting that one.
Were we excited to visit the Hagia Sophia? It's just one of the most legendary buildings on the planet. The largest church in the world for a thousand years. The scene of some of history's most decisive moments. A breathtaking architectural achievement on a scale unthinkable for its day. Yes, I suppose it's fair to say that we were excited.
