I don't know when I can take a trip again. My dream requires considerable effort and time, and a load of money. But I managed to see a lot, and I believe that someday those times will return, I am a patient woman :D
Gona show you some views of Istanbul, great city of mixture and contrasts. I loved it from the first site, and I'll let you see it my way. Let's go!
Fatih is a municipal district of in Istanbul that borders with the Golden Horn on the north and the Sea of Marmara on the south. It stretches from the Theodosian wall on the west to the Bosphorus Strait on the east. Geographycal profile ends here :)
In ancient times, Fatih was the conqueror of Constantinople and great sultan of the Ottoman Empire. Actually, the Turkish word Fatih of Arabic language origin means "the Conqueror".
There were three of us: my husband Nick, I, and Nat, my daughter. She's never been in Istanbul before, and we already showed her most popular landmarks. On that day we're going to take her for a walk around less touristic route.
On this unknown square you can try to scare pigeons.
Or buy them food.
Empty rows of Grand Bazar. This was absolutely unique picture, because it used to be totally crowded.
From my previous visit, I remember how cool are its galeries on the upper floor above the stores.
And this is the first time when I noticed the monument to fabric merchant. This place has always been noisy and crowded - onlookers, shoppers, tourists, sellers, loaders, drivers, that it was really difficult to notice the statue in this mess.
On the way, we checked the Kurdish market (I'm mad about local markets). Make sure that "our" cafe is open. They cook extraordinary lamb according to a local recipe, and we continued our walk with the intention to return here and have good dinner later.
A big local heir of Alabai joined us in the market. He looked old and tired, but obviously, decided that we were good party for a walk. Sometimes streets looked like it's not bad at all to walk along with a big dog :)
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This is what an old wooden building looks like. Many houses are in need of renovation, many are abandoned. The fact is that in Istanbul there are places where, in order to obtain a permit for restoration or construction, excavations must be made. And this is not just expensive, but can last long. Depends on what they find. But, to be honest, Turkish people aren't big fans of restoration. They prefer to destroy and build anew.
So we came to Suleimanie Mosque. A very special place. You will surely recognize this view.
Nat and her companion got tired. Poor old bud. All passers-by greeted him with smile and sympathy, but he faithfully followed us. He lied down and waited every time we stopped, rebuilt the route, took a photo, entered the shops. Sometimes lazily scared the cats. We got so far from the market, where we met him, and he sticked with us until we took a bus. Sometimes I wonder how he's got home...
Nat was about to give up. I thought she was more resilient. But our Insta destination was somewhere really close.
Here we are. Merdivenli yokuş, Balat. This colorful houses area perfect photo zone. Actually, there were a lot of young people taking and taking photos... But who can refuse his child?
Sometimes only of hunger can interrupt a photo session.
We said Good bye and left our faithful on this cozy street. I'm now sure the cat was happy about that.
That's it. Hope you liked the walk and aren't too tired. Because Nat said she'll never walk with us again, lol.
I really appreciate your time, support and interaction.
Cheers,
