I have been wanting to go to Istanbul for the past 50 years π
I saw a movie : That Man in Istanbul in mid 60s and read Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express at about same time. Ever since a visit to Istanbul has been on my mind. Finally I managed to go there in end October 2019, on my way back from Canada.
It is an amazing city, the only one in the world stretching to two continents π Istanbul is filled with history, great food (for non vegetarians) and friendly, beautiful people.
7 million in European part and 11 million in Asian part. 3 million people come to work from Asian to European side everyday π Galata Bridge connects old with the new European part.
On my flight from Toronto to Istanbul I met two young girls, friends from Edmonton, Canada; traveling to meet friends in Turkey! I love such people π
Met many interesting tourists from all over the world almost everyday!
Harborside EminΓΆnΓΌ buzzes with activity as boats unload passengers at the ferry docks near the city’s bazaars. The Egyptian Bazaar, or Spice Bazaar, has stalls full of fruit, teas, and spices, while the halls of the Grand Bazaar are a colorful jumble of carpets, fabrics, lamps, and jewelry. The SΓΌleymaniye Mosque towers over the area, and the 16th-century Rustem Pasha Mosque is famed for its Iznik tiles.
Hagia Sofia (Holy Wisdom) was a Greek Orthodox Church for more than 900 years and for a short period a Roman Catholic Church and Ottoman Mosque for more than 400 years. It was converted into a museum in 1935, once Turkey had become a republic in 1923.
Bosporus bridge (1970 -73 ) connects Asia and European parts. Before this bridge boats were used to travel between the two parts. Bosphorus river/creek merges with Black Sea.
The Blue Mosque can accommodate 10000, including gardens. In summer people sit outside to pray.
Topkapi Palace is another historic and beautiful building.
Dervish performance at Orient Express Restaurant: A dream come true for me.
On the left is Orient Express building facade, still same as decades ago. Pic below that is the inside.
There are 7 islands and known as Islands Princess. Took a ferry ride and visited two of these. Heybeliada is a smaller island and enjoyed horse carriage ride there. All vehicle are electrical but there is horse shit smellπ
Met a couple from Delhi and 6 female friends from Chennai, traveling together – leaving their families behind π
Bigger island is Buyukada. All islands combined population is around 10000 and this one 5000.
Sea of Marmara is one side and Black Sea on the other
The guy above was selling some inexpensive kitchen gadgets. What an entertaining performer and he sold many pieces on the small boat ride.
Visited Blue Mosque more than once and prayed/meditated there.
Hagia Sophia
Hippodrome is 15th century BC, obelisk from Egypt; base Roman 2nd century. There used to be Chartiot races etc here.
Cafe Mavera on top of Camlica Hill; great city view. Good cup of tea with Amir (Vietnamese, now living in Finland). He was visiting Istanbul for hair transplant and travelπ He said it was very cheap here! I was told that the mosque at Camlica can accommodate more than 70000 worshippers ππ
It was interesting to meet another group of females traveling together, leaving their families behind π These were from Bangladesh, living in England.
Quite like Indian stuffed bread (Parantha). Was good to have a vegetarian one on my last day π
God willing shall visit Turkey again for a longer stay ππ and see more of this beautiful country ππ
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What a beautiful adventure.
Thank you so much Bhakti. Yes always good to keep ticking off places to see ππ€
What a feeling it is to check something off your bucket list. So glad you could make it to this fabulous place and so cool that you posted so many pictures with an awesome narrative. I had a mini trip too
Thank you so much my youngest friend ππ€
What a wonderful post, lovely pictures!
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But what pictures you have taken are awesome, Ashok.ππππ Welcome ππ π
Thank you so much Kamal. It is great city and I couldnβt really do it full justice π
Wow and wow to a wonderful presentation of a beautiful place, Istanbul. Such a lovely read and a great post, Ashok.
I wish that too!
Thank you so much Luisa
Happens π
I think I couldnβt do justice to the post Betul π and am looking forward to seeing Turkey with you π€
Great post for a wonderful place
Ashok, I don’t know how I missed this post of yours! I lived in Istanbul for 6.5 years and I am still in love with it. Great photos!
Thank you so much Mercy. I am looking forward to seeing your part of our beautiful country π
Such wonderful descriptions laced with pictures..π thanks for taking all readers to Istanbul. Keep traveling. More power to youπ
Thank you Nitin
Wonderful writing n pictures thnx to share π€©π€ππ
Iβm sure you will ππ
Pleasure π
Thank you π
Thank you so much Tanvir. You have such beautiful thoughts too
Hello sir, wish you a very happy new year. You have a wonderful blog to read.
Thank you so much my friend
I agree with you, Istanbul has something unique that makes it precious! And on top of that, you were able to make this old dream come true, so you must have really appreciated it π
Thank you so much princess. But I couldnβt really do justice to what all I saw and felt. Maybe next time ππ€
You are welcome Ashok
Yes, I will do that Ashok. The best way to travel and never leave home
Thank you so much Liz
I love the photos, the first two in particular!
Thank you my friend
A wonderful post. Sounds a great visit!
Thank you so much Miriam
Ashok, I am glad that you got to fulfill this dream of yours. Istanbul and surroundings
look absolutely stunning and so full of life. Wonderful photos too and you certainly look
happy.
Miriam
my pleasure π
Thank you so much Sohanpreet
I too didnβt know that we can get an E visa so easily. God willing shall go to Turkey again.
Amazing and beautiful Istanbulπ
Istanbul is amazing indeed and the photos are all amazing π been there many times since itβs one of the few countries we can visit without a visa and itβs so affordable for us, Istanbul has a great history indeed and the princess islands are amazing! Glad you had the chance finally to fulfill your dream π
Thank you so much James
God has His ways π
If you arenβt able to travel now James keep doing it vicariously π
You did an amazing trip and very nice pictures
Thank you so much Sarthak π
Was waiting for this post ππ
Beautiful π€π€
Yes Ashok 2019 was an amazing year for your traveling around the world. Great shots of sights you have found !!
I have always wanted to travel but should have when I was young. I love the world and the people on it
Beautiful places and stories! π
Thank you so much Deeksha. Yes it was awesome π
It is exciting to visit the place we wished for years. Your photographs show that you had wonderful time in the city!!
Let us do it again together Sanya. I would love it π₯°
Oh yes. I would love to go back there
Thank you so much
Very nicely explained. I am lucky to have been to turkey..its a must go place specially Cappadocia
All the best Crystal. Worth a visit or two ππ€
Thank you so much Laxmi
Thank you so much James. Yes 2019 was an amazing year for my travels.
I loved visiting Istanbul – such an interesting and historically diverse city. Wonderful.
Great photos. π
Thank you so much Bhawna. Love you too π€
Itβs beautiful and on my bucket list. Thanks for sharing, Ashok!
Lovely:-)
Hello Ashok Another incredible journey complete with pictures of ancient places that I recall from studying world history back in school. The buildings and the food must be the best part of visiting these cities. Thanks again !!
Hey Mamu ur writing always took me to that particular place, Nice briefing n wonderful pics… Love u