On the picture: This is the monumental gate of the Ayasofya Ímareti (soup kitchen for the poor), which sultan Mahmud I (1730-1754) had built adjacent to the Ayasofya complex (at its northeast corner, to be precise) in 1743.
The gate is one of the best examples of 18th century ‘Turkish Barok’ in Istanbul.
To the right: The Soğukçeşme Sokağı (Cold Fountain Street) and its restored 19th century wooden houses (most of them are in use as hotels or tourist pensions now).
Correspondent: J.M.Criel, Antwerpen.
Source: Website of ‘ayasofyamuzesi.gov.tr’ .