Istanbul, Turkey
I have always been fascinated by the history of Turkey so when the opportunity presented itself to visit the country I didn’t hesitate. We only had a few days available so I decided to spend them only in Istanbul.
The old part of the city is a UNESCO World Heritage site, I stayed there and loved the cobalt streets and the tram. There are hundreds of museums and touring Ottoman Palaces like Dolmabache where it still functions as meetings for the Prime Minister.
The thing I love most about the city is its history and mixed culture. At one turn you feel you are in Italy with Roman aqueducts and arches, in another the French, Byzantine or Moslem influences are clear.
The Blue Mosque portrays the brilliance of Mimar Sinan, the most respected architect of the Ottoman Period, while beautiful Hagia Sophia, previously a church, mosque and now a museum, perfectly combines significant artefacts of two of the world’s biggest religions.
We enjoyed a cruise on the Bosphorus River to Büyükada, the biggest of the Prince Islands. The Byzentines historically used the Islands to exile their royalty princes. The Ottomans followed suit in the practice hence the name of the Islands. There are no cars allowed on the Islands and transfer on the Islands is done by foot, bike or by horse and carriage.
Shopping is a must whether it’s the grand Bazaar or the spice bazaar or the relatively modern Istiklal Street.
Then there is the food, I feel hungry every time I remember it. The food is a mixture of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern influences; it’s no surprise that Istanbul has established itself as a mecca for foodies from across the globe. From tender, perfectly spiced kebabs to salt baked Sea bass followed by indulgent sweet pastries.
Best Kebaps we had were at Zübeyir Ocakba?? off Istiklal Street and we tried the salt baked fish at Sultanahmet fishhouse in Sultanahmet district. Booking is recommended as they are busy most nights.