Q. Is there any relation between the Coronation Circle in St. Sophia and the possible position of the stars?

A. No. I don't think so, actually, similar mosaic decoration can also be seen in Nicea (Iznik). The big circle at the centre symbolises Jesus Christ. The four circles at four corners belong to the four Gospel writers. And the other circles with smaller satellites around them stand for the apostles and their disciples.

Q. Is it true that Turks allied with Armenians against the Byzantine Empire?

A. Yes, it is surprisingly true. In the 10th century, Orthodox Byzantine Empire did not have good relations with Gregorian Armenia. On the other hand, Byzantines did not want Turks to control the Silk and Spice Roads. So, Turks allied with Armenians and defeated the Byzantine Army. As Turks conquered more land, they promoted Armenian artists and tradesmen. So, their partnership developed into a close friendship. Nevertheless, Russian Expansion, British Policy on the Caspian Waters and French Missionaries of Catholic Faith in the 19th century lead to one of the biggest tragedies of the history. Regret that 95% of Turks and Armenians do not remember the days of friendship over a thousand years.

Q. Do you think me make Turkish girls jealous with our clothes? (A question by Kiwi girls)

A. Well, you had better ask this question to Marie Claire or Cosmogirl. However I can try to imagine:
The girl is under pressure, she does not want to be covered; she hates her parents more then you.
The girl just follows the traditions; she admires you, wants to move to a bigger city, rich men, film stars.
The girl willingly covers herself; two options; she prays Allah to inspire your soul and to forgive your sins or she prays Allah to protect her husband from your evil body :o)

Q. Was it true that every Ottoman Sultan had to learn an art; any examples?

A. Yes. Islam suggests that every Prophet had an art, so did Ottoman Sultans. Suleyman the Magnificent was a jeweller, Selim III. was a musician, Ahmet I. (who built Blue Mosque) was a calligrapher and Abdulhamid was a carpenter.

Q. Do you know anything about the dances in the ancient temples?

A. The dances were similar to the belly dance figures. When the virgin priestesses were dancing, they were facing towards the altar, not to the audience. Some of their figures, songs and melodies were very soft, inviting people to wisdom, love and respect. While during the orgiastic rites of Cybele or in some cases of Dionysos, the priests were castrating themselves at the peak of their ecstasy. It sounds strange to me to serve as eunuchs to a fertility Goddess. People may believe in stupid things. Anyway, many of the figures represent fertility, eternal blessings, sharing your 'gifts' with others and human thankfulness.

Q. What do you suggest us to discover 'deep time' in Istanbul?

A. I can offer you two windows.

Window 1:
Kuzguncuk. 5 minutes walk to Uskudar. The mosque and the Armenian Church are in the same garden. Just 20 meters away is the Synagogue. Adjacent to the Synagogue is the Greek Orthodox Church. Around these buildings are shops; the butcher, barber, an art gallery. Where is discrimination? Only in the minds of oil and gun companies. Think about it.

Window 2:
Uskudar. Valide Mosque to the right of the jetty (not Sinan's work opposite to the jetty). OK. Examine the mosque, the bird houses at the corners, the main gate. Look at the mosque, better in the evening from the opposite street. The tomb of Sultan's Mother, it has no dome, and her tomb stone has flowers on it. Representing the number of her children. Behind the tomb is a wooden house of the Imam. And the mosque is a massive over-designed stone building. Birds, flowers, tomb open to the sky, wooden house for a short life, strong construction for the real one. Think about it.