Our first stop in Turkey was Istanbul, a unique city which is split into an Asian and European side by the Bosphorous strait. There is everything on offer here - loads of history yet also very modern, beautiful architecture, friendly locals, fantastic museums, great shopping, delicious food, and a vibrant nightlife.
There's so much to see and do but we only had 3 days. Here's some of our highlights:
There's so much to see and do but we only had 3 days. Here's some of our highlights:
- The beautiful Aya Sofya, built nearly 1500 years ago (in 537!) and with a fascinating history - it was the grandest church of its time before being converted into a mosque when the city fell to the Ottomans in 1453, and today is considered a musuem. Inside are many amazing mosaics, some with only fragments remaining after they were covered over when the church was converted into a mosque.
- Testing our negotiation skills at the Grand Bazaar, the huge maze of tiny streets and alleys with over 4000 shops selling everything you could imagine.
- Indulging in the Turkish food, particularly the Turkish Delight, Baklava and Donor Kebabs!
- The impressive Blue Mosque whose interior is lined with tens of thousands of blue tiles.
- Al fresco dining at a meyhane (tavern) along busy Nevizade Sokak where we joined the locals in sampling meze platters and drinking Raki.
- Exploring the massive Topkapi Palace where Ottoman sultans lived until the 19th century. The palace is huge, with 4 large courtyards and a series of imperial buildings (including sleeping quarters, kitchens, pavilions, chambers, and barracks) built around the courtyards. A highlight was visiting the harem where the sultan and his family lived along with up to 300 concubines and eunuch servants!
- Taking a night cruise on the Bosphorous over to the Asian side for dinner.
- Joining the crowds along bustling Istiklal Caddesi on the more modern side of the city, and then afterwards enjoying amazing views over a beer at the 360 bar.
We loved our time here and easily could've spent another week enjoying this awesome city!
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