Merhaba ! Hello in Turkish !
Turkey is one of the most diverse and fascinating countries I’ve visited. From Istanbul’s mosques and bazaars to Bodrum’s blissful coastline to the cave hotels in Cappadocia to the ancient ruins of Ephesus, Turkey is awash with history, culture and outstanding natural beauty.
Istanbul is an iconic city – the cultural infusion of various communities, modern influences and its historical timeline. Each neighborhood wore diverse personalities, each one more captivating. The sheer magnitude of Istanbul’s history gives it much of its character. It is a vibrant mix of Western and Eastern cultures, with beautiful old mosques and mystical bazaars, juxtaposed with luxurious hotels, funky bars and restaurants.
We stayed at the luxurious Ciragan Palace Kempinski, a 19th century Ottoman Palace on the shores of the Bosphorus, with stunning views, outdoor dining areas, a large spa and a huge infinity pool. Ever so often we found ourselves enjoying a cup of coffee and bakhlava and watching the boats sail by. Having sundowners at The Monkey Bar and Le Fumoir Pavilion in the opulent Palace gardens and watching the gorgeous sunsets on the Bosphorus felt like we were in heaven!
ISTANBUL MUST SEES :
Historic Sultanehmet swept us off our feet with countless UNESCO World Heritage Sites and traditional markets. We walked around in Sultanehmet Square – the hippodrome of Constantinople, the Serpent Column, the Obelisk and the German Fountain.
The Topkapi Palace displays visions of true Turkish royalty and features the stunning imperial Gate, 4 massive courtyards, a harem. Some of the things that stunned us inside are the baths of the Sultan with the golden grill, the Imperial throne, stained glass windows, the Palace kitchens and the Harem. It gave us an insight of the life and times of the Ottoman Sultans. We were intrigued that the harem housed not only the Sultan’s wives but also the concubines at one time rumoured to be 300 in number!
We then walked to The Blue Mosque. The breathtaking blue interior which features blue hand painted tiles on the walls and the ceiling of the mosque is what brought its nickname. The low hanging lamps and many windows cast an amazing light and the result was spectacular. Unfortunately it was under repairs and hence we could not see it in all its glory.
After a quick Turkish lunch we walked to the glorious and stunning Hagia Sophia – when we entered we were awestruck with its sheer grandeur, magnificent dome, centuries old frescoes and intriguing religious symbolism. Stepping into the Hagia Sophia, I felt an undeniable sense of how miniscule we all were, standing there in that colossal building taking in centuries of history all around. The Hagia Sophia will sweep you off your feet, whether you are a history buff or not. It is really amazing how Christian symbolism co-exists in this space with Ottoman influences and design elements. The Aya Sophia is believed to have changed the history of architecture in the world!
The Basilica Cistern is the last surviving Byzantine Cistern that’s beneath Istanbul city. Standing in the eerie subterranean cavern of the basilica Cistern staring at the upturned head of the mystical sea nymph Medussa we pondered upon the mysteries surrounding us.
We were drawn to the delightful cacophony of Istanbul’s Grand Bazaar and Spice Market, unfurling carpets and colourful Turkish lights of intricate designs and deep hues. It is a large indoor shopping area with lots of traditional products like lanterns, rugs, jewelry, scarves and so much more. It is easy and fun to get lost here. If you are planning to buy something, get ready for a long and intense bargain.
We shared a quiet moment with Istanbul onboard a private ferry that cruises the Bosphorus and soon our tryst with Istanbul turned into a love affair. Sailing on the Bosphorus between Europe and Asia gave us stunning views of the city’s skyline and its various iconic structures which have stood for centuries. We admired the lovely homes of the rich and famous as we were sailing by! Witnessing Istanbul’s dramatic skyline from the Bosphorus allowed for a very different perspective from the one we got when walking around in the city.
Even before I’d set foot on Turkish soil, I was extremely excited about the cuisine from what I’d read in the weeks leading up to the trip. Turkish food culture brings together Mediterranean, central Asian and middle eastern influences among others. We ate at hole-in-the-wall kebab restaurants frequented by locals. Ofcourse being the home of #saltbae …. we ate at the amazing Nusr-et restaurant and Nusr-et Burger ….. BOTH TOTALLY HAVE-TOs ……And the Turkish delight and bakhlava was delicious!
Layers of every culture and era made visiting Istanbul an enriching experience. The question asked often – Is Turkey safe for travelers? We didn’t feel unsafe or threatened at any point during our stay.Turkey never fails to surprise and inspire. It’s beauty is subtle, it wants you to discover it rather than just to be told about it.
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