Istanbul - one of my most favourite cities on the planet. Today's adventure will highlight just a few of my favourite places to visit in the Old City of Istanbul. You may already have read my posts on the Aya Sophya (Also known as the Hagia Sophia) and over the next few posts I will explore each of Istanbul's wonders in more detail.
We started and ended our time in Turkey in the grand old city of Istanbul so had almost two weeks to explore this wonderful city on our own between tours.
The old city of Istanbul once known as Constantinople and Byzantium- the Sultanahmet district is a an area that lures visitors in and most are reluctant to leave. Unsurprising, given all the places to explore and so easy to do on foot. Its a place that needs time and leisure to explore, and I'm glad we had set that aside. We were between tours and had been on the go for 2 months - barely stopping in a place for more than one or two days.
Coming from the other side of the world we wanted to cram in as much as we could - not the ideal way to travel, but given our expectations of not making it back any time soon, or having such a long time off work again for a while, we wanted to make the most of it. So every month we would set up camp on one city for a week or so.. to take a more leisurely place.
I was glad that we chose Istanbul. It was a city that was a pleasure to be in... we spent mornings playing tourist at the major sites and afternoons playing local - reading and playing backgammon in the park or in local cafes, with our mint tea, turkish pastries and a hookah pipe.
It was home away from home.
The Bosphorus
Istanbul sits on a peninsula surrounded by waters to the north east and south. Arguably the best known is the Bosphorus Strait which separates Asia from Europe. This narrow straight of water cuts through Istanbul separating it into the old and the new city.
Its worth a ferry ride down the Bosphorus to see the sites along the bank, particularly the historic Ottoman era houses, the Dolmabahce Palace and the Rumeli Hisar Fortress.
Big cruise ships often stop in the strait bringing hundreds of day trippers - though a day is nowhere near enough time to experience the grandeur and romanticism of the old city. In fact during our time in Istanbul the Celebrity Equinox docked - given us a view of what, in about 6 weeks time was going to be our home for a couple of weeks when we cruised the med!
Around the streets of Istanbul
I loved wondering the streets of Old Istanbul - small cafes and pastry shops tucked away where you could get all manor of treats and sometimes even a decent cappuccino and some WiFi. Perhaps it was being used to the hawkers and street vendors in Morocco and Egypt but I certainly never felt harassed or like anyone was trying to rip me off in Turkey - despite the horror stories I'd heard about carpet salesmen! Walking around the city on my own never felt unsafe.
When we went (2012) the country was perhaps a little more liberal than it is now, and while I always felt compelled to cover my legs with pants or long skirts and carry a scarf with me (I believe in respecting the customs of those countries I visit), many tourists were in very western attire with no problem.
Gulhane Park
Gulhane (or Rose) Park, next to the grounds of the Topkapi Palace was always a great place to chill out often a whirlwind morning of sightseeing. It was an oasis in a bustling city and is the oldest park in Istanbul. The park was once part of the Palace grounds but was opened to the public in 1912. Today families stroll the many paths and children kick around soccer-balls and place chase.
Topkapi Palace
Topkapi Palace is the cities museum and you can easily spend an entire day in here, exploring the grounds and many buildings. During the 15th century the palace served as the administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Empire and over the years was expended. It housed the Sultan and his family - with his wives and other female family members residing in the harem.
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque is one of a few active mosques that are open to tourists. Its name comes from the blue tiles surrounding the walls of the interior. The mosque was built between 1609 and 1616.
The mosque is closed during prayer time (five times a day starting at sun-up) so mid morning is usually the safest time to arrive to visit. Shoes must be removed at the door and head coverings are compulsory for women. These are provided for free at the door - but generally when I am travelling in Muslim countries I carry one with me at all times
The Aya Sofya
Anyone who has followed my posts may have seen my post on the Aya Sofya.. one of the most amazing pieces of architecture in the world so you will know how simply in awe I am of this building. The monument was important for both the Byzantine and Ottoman Empires and is the only building in the world to have served three religions , Pagan, Christina and Muslim.
It's now one of Istanbul's most famous attractions and serves a museum.
I hope you have enjoyed this small look at Istanbul. Stay tuned for more adventures in Turkey
Til the the next adventure
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