Istanbul is one of the most fascinating and thrilling cities of the world with an incomarable position, with some of the most extraordinary monuments of character. Once the ancient capital of three great empires it is still the historian point of meeting where it anchors between East and West, the past and the present. The only city in the world to be built on two continents, Istanbul emerges from the waters of the golden horn and the Bosphorus in an unforgettable horizon of domes, minarets and more modern buildings, without forgetting the attractive Ottoman villas of wood that flank the Bosphorus. The greatest city of Turkey has been dominated by Byzantine Romans and Ottomans. Today it guards the treasures of these powerful people who reigned the past. Saint Sofia, built by the emperor Giustiniano between 532 and 537 is largely admired aboveall for its frescos and the immense central dome. Rival to it is the Suluman Mosque, built by the sultan "Sulaman the Magnificent"; the other imposing mosque is the Blue mosque that dominates the horizon in Istanbul with its minarets and its domes. Not forgetting Topkapi Palace, it was formed from four courtyards, has a labyrinth of passages, gardens and rooms built on six levels and all with in sight of the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn.
Coming into Istanbul
Our marvelous boat!
The buildings were amazing
Heading to the Blue Mosque
The cascading domes and six slender minarets of the Sultanahmet Mosque (better known as the "Blue Mosque") dominate the skyline of Istanbul. In the 17th century, Sultan Ahmet I wished to build an Islamic place of worship that would be even better than the Hagia Sophia, and the mosque named for him is the result. The two great architectural achievements now stand next to each other in Istanbul's main square, and it is up to visitors to decide which is more impressive.
Joey and I playing camera tag:)
Our next stop was the spice market
Istanbul Spice Market, once the largest spice trading venue of the medieval world, with its abundant stalls still featuring piles of edible exotics is a definite highlight for anyone exploring Istanbul and a favorite stop during our Istanbul tour. As with all the touristic highlights you need to be prepared to fetch some fantastic finds and not to fall for any of the catches.
The funnest stop was the Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar (Kapalıçarşı) in Istanbul is one of the largest covered markets in the world with 60 streets and 5,000 shops, and attracts between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily. It is well known for its jewellery, hand-painted ceramics, carpets, embroideries, spices and antique shops. Many of the stalls in the bazaar are grouped by type of goods, with special areas for leather, gold jewellery and the like. The bazaar has been an important trading centre since 1461 and its labyrinthine vaults feature two bedestens (domed buildings), the first of which was constructed between 1455 and 1461 by the order of Sultan Mehmed the Conqueror. The bazaar was vastly enlarged in the 16th century, during the reign of Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, and in 1894 underwent a major restoration following an earthquake.
These people know how to haggle and Joey was a waling dollar sign! He was so easy it was ridiculous. I had to jump in and take on the role of the mean wife. No, No, No!!! Good thing I was carrying the money because Joey would've had it spent before we even entered the bazaar.
Turned out we were a good team. He drew the attention and I fixed the prices. These Turkish people have been watching a lot of American films calling out to Joey "Hey Brrrotha (emphasis on rolling of the R's)" I have perfect thing for you! Come to my store!"
We made a friend.
We talked this guy down from a 150 Euro item to 30 Euro's. I can't even begin to explain our experience. It was one of those "you had to have been there" moments. He had us laughing the whole time we negotiated with him.
Istanbul definitely deserves a second visit. There was too much to see in too little time. We will definitely be back!
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