Turkey
About My Trip to Turkey
My trip to Istanbul was a short adventure during a layover on my way to Nairobi. Turkish Airlines made the flight comfortable with good food, amenities, and even in-flight WiFi. To pack some sightseeing into my limited time, I booked a fantastic $25 guided tour.
The star of the tour was the Hagia Sophia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with an incredible history. It’s been a church, a mosque, and is now a mosque again! This unique history means the building has a fascinating mix of Christian and Islamic artwork. The guide explained everything and even pointed out some Christian mosaics that are still visible. It was an amazing way to experience such a historic place, even with a short layover.
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Turkey
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Istanbul
I flew on Turkish Airlines from Marrakech, Morocco to Istanbul, Turkey.
I found the food at the Marrakech airport to be good. The boarding process for the flight was chaotic, but I had paid extra to sit in an exit row seat with extra legroom, so I was comfortable.
I enjoyed the amenity kit, the meal service, and the in-flight WiFi on the flight.
When I arrived in Istanbul, I had an overnight layover before continuing onward to Nairobi, Kenya.
This guide shares exactly how I visited the Hagia Sophia during an overnight layover in Istanbul on Turkish Airlines, based on my December 2022 trip. I break down my real timeline from arrival and sleep to booking a Hagia Sophia Tour, getting through checkpoints, and making it back to the airport on time.
You’ll also get a quick history of the building’s transformation from church to mosque to museum and back to an active mosque, plus what that means for what you can see inside. I point out the key mosaics and design details that stood out most, including the Vestibule Mosaic, the Mosaic of Leo VI, and the mix of Christian and Islamic artwork. I also explain what the entry process was like for me, including waiting for prayer to finish, going through security, and removing shoes before entering the prayer hall.
At the end, I include a helpful FAQ covering tickets, lines, shoes, photos, and whether the upper gallery is open. If you’re planning a short stopover, this post helps you plan a realistic visit without rushing or missing your flight.