Turkish Delights Part 2: Istanbul
Straddling 2 continents, the city of Istanbul has an Asian side and a European side, separated by the Bosphorus Strait. This city used to be the final stage in the Silk Road linking Asia and Europe. Its strategic location means that over the centuries it has been ruled by the Greeks, Romans, Venetians and Ottomans. All these empires have contributed richly to the historic and architectural grandeur of this city. Its colours, vivacity and character are the result of the merging of cultures, religions and races.
Our visit to this beautiful city was shorter than we would have liked…but long enough for us to fall well and truly in love with it. I could write reams about Istanbul but will just list our favourites. Then again as favourites go, there is so much to see, hear, smell, eat, drink and feel here that this could be a very long list indeed; so we’ll just name our top 5 experiences from our week in Istanbul:
1) Blue Mosque:
Say Istanbul and the Blue Mosque is the first place most people think of. The Sultan Ahmet Mosque is popularly known as Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles that decorate its interior walls. It was built in the 17th century during the rule of Ahmed I and incorporates elements of both Islamic and Byzantine Christian architecture. An awestruck hush falls on the throng of tourists upon entering this magnificent mosque, no matter the number of people or the decibel levels prior to stepping in. This beauty is well worth braving long lines for…and long lines you are likely to encounter.
Inside Blue Mosque
Inside Blue Mosque
Blue Mosque
2) Hagia Sophia:
Another awe-inspiring piece of architecture in the heart of Istanbul, the Hagia Sophia (Holy Wisdom) was built as a cathedral in the 6th century on the orders of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I. It is famous for its massive dome and was infact the world’s largest cathedral for nearly 1000 years until the completion of the Seville Cathedral in the 16th century. Considered the epitome of Byzantine architecture, the Hagia Sophia was built as a Greek Orthodox Church, then served an imperial mosque for nearly 5 centuries under the Ottomans before being secularised and reopened as a museum in 1935.
Kapil marvels at Hagia Sophia
Inside Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia
3) Breakfast Room at Ambassador Hotel Istanbul:
We booked to stay here on the recommendation of friends. It is located in Sultanahmet, the historic quarter of Istanbul. Kapil and I believe that the warmth and hospitality shown to us here set the tone for our time in Istanbul…in fact, our time in Turkey. The highlight of our stay at this lovely hotel was the rooftop terrace restaurant where the breakfast buffet was set up every morning. We started every day with panoramic views of the historic quarter.
Looking out at the Blur Mosque from the breakfast room at Ambassador Hotel Istanbul
4) Bosphorus Cruise:
The Bosphorus is the strait that is part of the continental boundary between Asia and Europe. It separates Asian Turkey from European Turkey and is crucial to the commercial abundance of Istanbul. A Bosphorus cruise is a must-do when in Istanbul. A good guide on the cruise is key to getting an understanding of the deep history of Istanbul as you look at many of the major sights in Istanbul while riding the waves of the Bosphorus.
Bosphorus Cruise: Dolmabahçe Mosque
Bosphorus Cruise: Dolmabahçe Palace
The Bosphorus Bridge
5) Grand Bazaar:
This is said to be the largest and oldest covered markets in the world. A warren of 61 covered streets and over 4000 shops, this is a bazaar like no other we have ever seen. The colours and bustle here are absolutely electric. The vendors are extremely persuasive but you are probably better off buying your souvenirs in shops that are away from the market so as not feel ripped off afterwards.
Entrance to the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul
Grand Bazaar Istanbul
These are just our top 5, there is so much more to a quintessential experience of Istanbul— Apple Tea, Topkapi Palace, Turkish Coffee, The Basilica Cistern, Baklava, Galata Tower….
