Jackie Hopfinger is an Islington based photographer. One of her photographs is currently showing in the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition. In March 2023 she recorded these striking images of Istanbul. See more of her work at www.jackiehopfinger.co.uk and follow her on Instagram @jackiehop. You can also see some of Jackie's dance photography in the Emerging Voices Features Archive.
Near the Yeni Cami Mosque
Close to the Galata Bridge.
Outside the Yeni Cami Mosque, men wash before entering to pray.
The Yeni Cami Mosque (means New Mosque) with its 66 domes is not really so new. Building began in 1597. Due to fire, it fell into disrepair and neglect until finally being completed in the 1660’s.
Side view of the Yeni Cami Mosque
Back of Aya Sofia Mosque, also known as the Hagia Sofia. Built in 532, it was originally an Orthodox Christian church. It became a mosque in the 1450’s. In 1934, Ataturk turned it into a museum. In 2020, rather controversially, Erdogan made it a mosque again.
Cistern Basilica, the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie under Istanbul. It was built in the 6th century, a huge place with 336 columns supporting the ceiling. Today it has very little water and is largely a tourist attraction.