Istanbul – Charming city of the Orient

Luka — Sat, 03 Nov 2007 22:29:54 +0000

I visited Istanbul in the middle of October. It is a great time to experience this bustling city as it is the end of the peak tourist season. The weather is also pleasant with temperatures around 20-22 degrees Celsius. I thought five nights will be more than enough, but Istanbul has so much to offer, that a man could easily stay for two weeks.

Here are the photos and some useful tips what to do in Istanbul.

A day in Istanbul starts with ezan, an Islamic call to prayer. Don’t get upset if it wakes you up – it is a great time to explore the city and enjoy some quiet moments. It is interesting to observe the people when they visit the mosque for a prayer. Don’t be intrusive though.

These are the slippers men use when they clean themselves at Sadirvan before the prayer.

Bosporus is always busy with traffic.

Galata bridge is always a good choice to visit. During the day there are numerous restaurants at lower level and it is fun to watch the fishermen along the entire bridge. The bridge is also a great place to enjoy a beer or two while watching the silhouettes of the mosques at the sunset.

Yeni(new) mosque. Situated close to Galata bridge and Spice bazaar.

Colourful spice bazaar. If you would like to experience a true oriental bazaar this is the place to be! This place is much more authentic than Grand bazaar, which has become quite touristy. Don’t forget to haggle.

Turkish delight or Rahat lokum. Traditional Turkish sweets with different flavours like walnuts, pistachio, almonds, rosewater, coconut…

The mighty Sultan! Sellers at bazaar are always funny and very friendly. Don’t refuse an invitation for a cup of tea.

Baklavas. Yummy!

Kemal. He makes really delicious baklavas.

Early morning at Galata bridge.

Galata bridge. In the background you can see Yeni mosque.

Detail of Aya Sofia. It is hard to imagine, that this mighty structure is 1500 years old.

Charcoal containers at one of the numerous tea gardens.

Smoking Nargileh.

A detail from the tea garden.

Elma cay – Apple tea. Very sweet.

This is what happens if you smoke water pipe too much.

The dome of the Blue mosque. If your budget is tight it is a good idea to visit this mosque instead of the famous Aya Sofia.

Fishing is very popular among Istanbul’s men.

The mosque of Suleiman the Magnificent. One of the most beautiful mosques in Istanbul. Well worth a visit.

Borek – Istanbul’s fast food. It is some kind of a cheese or meat pie. You should eat it with Ayran – salty yogurt.

Off duty.

Galata tower.

This bridge is very important for Istanbul. It connects European and Asian side of the city.

Carpet seller at morning ritual.

Yerebatan cistern. Interesting place to visit, just nearby the Aya Sofia.

Pomegrenades.

The courtyard of the Sokollu Mehmet Pasha’s mosque. This is the most beautiful mosque in my opinion. Small, peaceful and elegantly decorated.

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Luka Esenko's blog » Turkey

Istanbul – Charming city of the Orient

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