Incredible Istanbul: A Photo Journey

Istanbul is one of my absolutely favourite cities in the world!
A city which straddles Europe and Asia. A city where those two different continents merge and meld to form a wonderful mix of cultures.  A city of fantastic history – first as Byzantium, then as the capital of the eastern Roman Empire, Constantinople, and then later as the capital of the Ottoman Empire. A city of domes and minarets contrasting now with graffiti and boutique, hipster stores. A city so vibrant and happening. A city that has utterly stolen my heart.
Join me on a photo joinery to discover what makes Istanbul incredible!!
Incredible Istanbul, A Photo Journey

Incredible Istanbul, A Photo Journey

The journey starts in Sultanahmet, the heart of Old Istanbul. A compact area stuffed full of so many wonderful historic and gorgeous buildings and places, like the oh so elegant Blue Mosque.
The elegant Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The elegant Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Minarets and domes of the Blue Mosque

Minarets and domes of the Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The gorgeousness inside The Blue Mosqu

The gorgeousness inside The Blue Mosque

Such elegant simplicity inside The Blue Mosque

Such elegant simplicity inside The Blue Mosque

Facing opposite the Blue Mosque is the grand Aya Sofia. First built as a church, then converted into a mosque before finally changing to a museum in 1935. Aya Sophia is imposing and so full of history!
Aya Sophia, Istanbul

Aya Sophia, Istanbul

Aya Sophia

Aya Sophia

Inside the huge museum that is Aya Sophia

Inside the huge museum that is Aya Sophia

Inside Aya Sophia, Istanbul

Inside Aya Sophia

Inside Aya Sophia

Inside Aya Sophia

The famous mosaics of Aya Sophia

The famous mosaics of Aya Sophia

Nearby is the colour and crazy layrinth-like Grand Bazaar. This place is seriously big and it’s very easy to get lost amongst the covered ……. and many, many shops selling everything. My absolute favourite are the gorgeous Turkish lights and bright, colourful bowls.
The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

My favourite - Turkish lights!

My favourite – Turkish lights!

So magical - Turkish lights!

So magical!

Traditional Turkish bowls

Traditional Turkish bowls

Down towards the Golden Horn is the fascinating and aromatic Spice Bazaar. I love the perfect pyramids of spices, herbs and teas, and the yummy looking Turkish delight.
The Spice Bazaar, Istanbul

The Spice Bazaar, Istanbul

The Spice Bazaar, Istanbul

The Spice Bazaar

Delicious treats at the Spice Bazaar

Delicious treats at the Spice Bazaar

Turkish delight - yum!!

Turkish delight – yum!!

Istanbul is full of places selling Turkish delight and Turkish coffee. A definite must try while in incredible Istanbul!
More Turkish delight!

More Turkish delight!

Sampling all kinds of Turkish delight with a Turkish coffee on the side!

Sampling all kinds of Turkish delight with a Turkish coffee on the side!

Linking old Istanbul with hip and happening Beyoglu is the Galata Bridge which crosses the Golden Horn, an inlet off the Bosphorus. Every time I crossed there were throngs of fisherman. Below are lots of cafes and restaurants where the speciality is Balik ekmek (aka. a fish sandwich).
Fish sandwich cafes on the Galata Bridge, Istanbul

Fish sandwich cafes on the Galata Bridge, Istanbul

Fisherman on Galata Bridge and Yeni Cami

Fisherman on Galata Bridge and Yeni Cami

Galata Bridge at dusk

Galata Bridge at dusk

Pedestrianised Istiklal Caddesi cuts through the heart of Beyoglu and is all things new and happening in Istanbul. Expect plenty of Western shops, restaurants and nearby bars. This busy streets leads to Taksim Square.
Pedestrianised Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul

Pedestrianised Istiklal Caddesi, Istanbul

Taksim Square, Istanbul

Taksim Square, Istanbul

The Bosphorus not only cuts through Istanbul, it also divides Europe from Asia. A boat trip on the Bosphorus provides a different perspective of incredible Istanbul, and takes you past some wonderful Ottoman palaces and Rumeli Hisari, a European fortress.
Looking back to Sultanahmet from the Bosphorus

Looking back to the minarets of Sultanahmet from the Bosphorus

Waterfront Palace on the Bosphorus

Waterfront Palace on the Bosphorus

Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul

Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul

Rumeli Hisari, a European fortress

Rumeli Hisari, a European fortress

Rumeli Hisari, a European fortress

Rumeli Hisari, a European fortress

On the Bosphorus

On the Bosphorus

Have you been to Istanbul and also think it’s incredible? I’d love to hear from you!!

2 comments on “Incredible Istanbul: A Photo Journey”

  1. Tim UrbanDuniya Reply

    I love Istanbul too! I’ve been three times and still want to return – a simply beautiful city. Those pics of the sweets are making my mouth water, and that shot of the Galata Bridge at dusk brings back some very happy memories 🙂

    • Carly Reply

      Glad to hear my photos and post brought back some happy memories, Tim. Like you I want to return to this incredible city 🙂

Leave A Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.