Istanbul is a must see destination that combines mind boggling scale, modernity, confluence of cultures and deep history. Everything great you heard about Istanbul - is true!
Here are a few pictures of our 5 days in Istanbul.
Hope you enjoy it!
Here are a few pictures of our 5 days in Istanbul.
Hope you enjoy it!
The Blue Mosque
Visible from many angles, this is a top feature of the city. Easy to get to and visually stunning.
Hagia Sophia
Right across the Blue Mosque and deeply historical. Was a church first before it was converted to a mosque and then a museum.
Topkapi Palace
There are some artifacts here that yank you deep into history. They claim Moses' staff and Prophet Mohamed's personal effects as part of their collection.
Sufi Dance Ceremony - Sema
800 year old dance ritual. You go in having in your mind the label 'Whirling Dervish' and anticipate something touristy. I walked out placing this on the top of not just this visit - but among most of my visits around the world!
Galata Tower
Nice view of the city from here.
Basilica Cistern
The Ottomans knew how to do things right. This was a source of bathing and water supply for the Sultans.
Grand Bazaar
Dropped a few Turkish Lira here. I got into the spirit of bargaining here. It is fun... to bargain, I mean!
World Kabab HQ
After 5 days of Turkish food, one yearns for a simple spaghetti & marinara. But being a kabab aficionado with my grill back home - you learn what a truly well made kabab should look, feel and taste like!
The Bosphorous
The scale and buildout of this city is mind-boggling. Ferry is the best way to cut through traffic and not spend a lot of money on transportation.
14 comments:
Very nice. It revived my own memories !
Father
LOVELY! Enjoy the spanakopitas.
Great pics!
I’ve heard that Istanbul is one of the hippest vacation spots around. It sure looks beautiful and exotic.
Awesome!!
The history is amazing. Thank you so much for sharing.
Wow! Istanbul is THE next place on my itinerary. I'm envious. Thanks for the pics.
Very nice pictures and write up.
Thanks for sharing. Enjoy the trip.
Wonderful! Looks like you’re having a great time.
Seems like a great trip! Reminded me of 1.5 days I spent in Istanbul. Another friend just returned from an exquisite Turkey/Greece vacay and was also extolling how fantastic it was.
Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Pic's gives a good glimpse of the place,..very attractive!!
hanks for the photo essay! I just could not cover as much in my trip some 8 years ago, and would love to go there again.
Wonderful pictures capturing the city ! The latest Dan Brown's "Inferno"
describes all these places and their history. Hope to visit soon..
Great pics and interesting write-up. Hope to travel there sometime.
Nice pics and write-up. Thanks for sharing.
Make sure you try the Turkish Bath!
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