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. Â 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
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
Minarets and domes of the Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, Istanbul
The gorgeousness 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
Inside the huge museum that is Aya Sophia
Inside 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
My favourite – Turkish lights!
So magical!
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
Delicious treats at the Spice Bazaar
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!
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
Fisherman on Galata Bridge and Yeni Cami
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
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 the minarets of Sultanahmet from the Bosphorus
Waterfront Palace on the Bosphorus
Dolmabahce Palace, Istanbul
Rumeli Hisari, a European fortress
Rumeli Hisari, a European fortress
On the Bosphorus
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