marble columns with ornately pierced capitals Blue Mosque lifts the spirits muslim man window half-dome blue blue windows behind the star glory exquisite stencilling solitude over-fished? soaring Pillar intricate Young Prince Egyptian obelisk Balcony Serpentine column, 479 BC Ottoman-style wooden house 20110427_77 20110427_78 Reclining Medusa head Upside-down Medusa head Portal of the Emperor the Sultan's loge the Sultan's loge Byzantine brickwork looking towards the apse a layer of lights Constantine and Zoë John and Irene where the pigeons roost Deisis gallery visitors There may be angel faces behind those 3 gold bosse… ornate capital pierced marble Hand-print of the Virgin Mary Mosaic: angel with 6 wings Emperor (thought to be Leo VI, the Wise) kneeling… 20110427_23 Gate of Salutations Golden grille 20110427_25