Intimately Istanbul
Thw most relaxing and enjoying metropolitan city. Timeless history and priceless relics from Constantinople.
@2:35 Local time, I landed in the city where continents meet, a bridge between East and West: the bustling metropolis of Istanbul. It was 17 Celsius when I took my first step outside the airport. The Pera area near Galata Tower had a captivating vibe. The Turkish people were incredibly kind and hospitable, exuding a relaxed warmth. I visited Istiklal Caddesi, a vibrant street with alluring alleys and a historic tramway. There was a small church which I explored.
The next day began with a hearty breakfast at the hotel before departing for Galata Tower along a scenic walkway. The tower, originally constructed in 1348 by the Genoese, was part of the defense walls surrounding their colony of Galata. It provided the Genoese with commanding views over the Bosphorus Strait and the Golden Horn. Over the centuries, the tower has served various purposes, including as a prison, fire lookout station, and observation deck. Sultanahmet was just a metro ride away. I took a leisurely stroll to the magnificent Blue Mosque before enjoying lunch at an outdoor café.
After lunch, I walked through the imposing gates of Topkapi Palace. Situated along the Bosphorus, it served as the primary residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman Sultans for nearly 400 years. Comprising four distinct courtyards, the expansive grounds contain buildings for various purposes. The first courtyard housed a bakery where the Ottoman Sultan's bread was prepared. Only the sultan could enter the second courtyard on horseback, which also housed antique collections of clocks, weapons, calligraphic inscriptions, dining chambers, and the kitchen. The third courtyard preserved important Islamic artifacts, including hairs from the Prophet's beard, his footprints, and other belongings like cloth and chests. The fourth courtyard, featuring breathtaking views of the Bosphorus Strait, comprised the Harem. Each ruler left their architectural mark on the complex. Topkapi Palace remained the primary residence until the 19th century when Dolmabahçe Palace became the main palace. The grandeur of Topkapi Palace remains visible among its timeless history and priceless relics.
Day 3 began at Dolmabahçe Palace, positioned perfectly along the Bosphorus. It served as the primary residence for six Ottoman sultans from 1856 to 1924. The founder of the Turkish Republic, Atatürk, also chose this palace as his residence as the first president. The palace's construction nearly bankrupted the Ottoman Sultans, and today it's valued at over 6 billion US dollars. Its grandeur and extravagant interiors symbolized the Ottomans' westernization, featuring luxurious bedrooms, parlors, reception halls, baths, and various specialized units. Chandeliers and vases from renowned European companies adorned the spaces, while carpets and motifs displayed exquisite designs. The Harem, the private residence of the Sultan and female family members, was headed by the Valide Sultan (Mother Sultan) and featured quarters for influential women including the Sultan's consorts and legal wives. The entire palace faces the Bosphorus, offering spectacular views.
After lunch, I returned to Sultanahmet to visit the Basilica Cistern, built by the Byzantines. It features 336 columns and distinctive Medusa head structures reflecting Roman architectural style.
On my final day in Istanbul, I traveled from the Galata region to Asia by taking a tram to Karaköy and boarding a ferry to Kadıköy. In Kadıköy, we explored the Spice Bazaar and Yeni Cami Mosque while enjoying the pleasant weather. The day concluded with a Bosphorus cruise, featuring a welcoming atmosphere and a Californian guide on my deck. It was the perfect way to bid farewell to Istanbul.
