patterns perfected, part 3

Continuing with the theme of how the Ottomans and the Turks seem to have perfected the use of patterns, I've put together a handful of photos from my recent trip to Turkey. 

gilded beauty at the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

serenity encapsulated - the Blue Mosque, Istanbul

sun light on a Turkish rug, Alacati

gorgeous use of colors in tile work -
Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

stunning floral motif -
 silk with pearls, gold, and gems
at the Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

more tile - floral motif
Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

even the ground below is decorated

amazing, isn't it?
Topkapi Palace, Istanbul

mosaics, carvings, and amazing details
Aya Sofia, Istanbul

Minimalistic, they are not, but I think the photos show just how amazingly intricate and beautiful Turkish patterns and decor are. 

patterns perfected part 1

I enjoy photographing close-ups of details I find beautiful. When I was in Istanbul recently my husband and I visited Topkapi Palace. I snapped this photograph of just one example of the Ottoman's brilliant use of patterns. 

blues and whites with
black and golds

the honeycomb pattern

Ever since I was a little kid, honey has been my favorite sweetener.  While on vacation I captured a few images of the honeycomb pattern...

honeycomb for sale in Istanbul's Spice Market

honeycomb pattern used on windows at the
Topkapi Palace in Istanbul

a close-up...isn't it remarkable how much it looks
like real honeycomb? 

a little bee trying to get
to this syrupy concoction

I think it is probably safe to say that regardless of how many years ago the inspiration was born, the designer of Topkapi Palace's window grate pattern was influenced by nature's perfect hexagonal honeycomb.