Yesterday we did three things: visit the old sultan's palace and the blue mosque (which is right beside the Hagia Sophia), and go on a river boat ride through Istanbul's harbor to go see the other five palaces for different sultans and grand viziers. The palace was slightly a bummer just because we were all so cold because all Cenk, our tour guide, did was talk in front of maps and give us a rerun of the Ottomon empire's history. While interesting, I wish he could have done such when we were a bit warmer. In any regard he gave us about an hour to explore the different rooms which opened the court and, to be honest, the treasury and the weaponry were my absolute favorite.
The treasury because it was just so neat to see the ornate jewelry and trinkets from the past few centuries. Gold, diamonds, ivory, jade. It seems funny to me how humans never change. Even with Solomon it is told to us that he had wealth beyond imagining, really, in 1 Kings 10. And, in Revelation, we are told of the splendor of the New Jerusalem and how it will be covered in precious stones and valuables gleaming for the rest of time. It reminds me that this world has been created, not only for God's glory, but for our enjoyment. After all, God is glorified in the good and the bad, with rocks and diamonds; His glory is not dependent on the giver. It is dependent upon himself. In that way these stones were made for us to enjoy, to marvel, and to wonder at the majestic world God has created for us. We don't change.
To be specific, my favorite piece was a golden cradle. Yes, a baby's cradle. It was highly adorned with precious gems and covered in gold. The bed was a little over a foot, I think, so I'm pretty sure it was more for show. After all, I think a baby would just roll out of such a cradle. I'll have to put up a picture later for you all to see.
The weaponry fascinated me because the weapons were nearly just as ornate and intricate as the jewelry. It astounded me how many precious stones covered the guns, swords, axes, and how each weapon was a different piece of art. And this was not just the ceremonial armor of the sultans, but of the actual soldiers. These weapons killed people, yet their makers decided to create them marvelously. These killed beautifully, not to be morbid. My favorite piece in this room was in the section labeled "prizes from war," essentially the plunder. In here was Czar Nicholas I's sword. I had heard of his story in history this past semester, and it was simply neat to see the webs of history interlacing in a way that the people of Turkey now own his sword as a prize.
After the palace we went to the mosque which, in all honesty, made me extremely sad. Before we could enter we had to take off our shoes, as is their custom, but strangely enough they do not force the women to cover their heads. However Dr. Evans gave us this look that said we should which Tiffany, Rachel and I happily obliged. It reminded me of Paul when, in one of his epistles, he spoke about how when he goes to different people groups (namely the Gentiles and the Jews) he resorts tot heir customs as long as it doesn't go against the Law of God. For instance, when in Gentile territory he has no problem eating at their table and eating what he is given; however, in the land of the Jews, he resorts back to the laws of kosher. All of this is done in respect in order that his "weaker brother" might not stumble. (I think it's in Galatians?) Anyway, it was a beautiful building with high, domed ceilings that were ornately covered in floral patterns. As I stated before with Hagia Sophia, the Muslims do not believe in creating images of anything, so they resort to covering their buildings with floral patterns.
To be honest, the building made me incredibly sad. As I was walking around the visitor's section (in between the large praying area for men and the significantly smaller area for women), all I could think of was that these people were praying to a god that cannot hear them. In fact their god doesn't exist and does not have the ability to hear them at all! It was so sad to watch them pray, to be so religiously aware of their responsibilities, and have no ability to enter heaven's gate in the current state their in. And, also, in their own religion they have no security of their future. They could live their lives as a devout Muslim, come before Allah, and receive punishment instead of paradise despite their dedication in life! How thankful I am for eternal security! How grateful that my God is big enough to look past my mistakes and cover them with the blood of Christ that I may partake in the glories that will come with the resurrection. I will be a part of His Kingdom because He has promised me it, and there is no reason to fear. Not only that, but God is so great that He has given me the ability to grow and "work out [my] salvation with fear and trembling;" He can make me better! How grateful I am for such a wondrous Lord! But how devastating it is to watch another fall into such atrocity that will, one day, lead to their downfall. I almost wanted to join those women in prayer, but I figured that would be highly offensive and probably have a bad affect on their lives. Unfortunately.
The boat ride had little significance for me. I listened to music, watched the seagulls and the water pass by, took a few pictures of some palaces, and talked to the girls while Jim sat across from me rather miserably (he does not like boats.) Anyway, it's time for bed. I'll catch up on Troy tomorrow, hopefully.
Love y'all!
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