Traveling Istanbul: Part 1 of 2

I was in Istanbul in February 2020, before the world went into lockdown. Never did I thought the skies would close so tightly. 

The perks of visiting Istanbul during winter was worthwhile, with significantly less tourist. 

The drawback though, was the erratic weather - It could be snowing in the morning, sunshine in the afternoon and raining in the evening. 

The Sultan Ahmet Mosque, also known as Blue Mosque

I learned that the colour turquoise (kind of light blue) is originated from Turkey. 

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Istanbul is a city of rich history and tradition. The culture mix mesmerizes and attracts millions. Most importantly, this city divides continental Europe and Asia via the Bosphorous Straits. 

Merely scrolling through Google Map was attractive and interesting enough

During winter, temperature go to as low as -3 degrees Celsius

Because it is by the sea, you know how windy it gets - Be well prepared

I was fortunate to be in the outskirts of the Old Town for a couple of days for work. The Old Town is extremely touristy and do not reflect the normal daily life. The first place I would normally go after arriving in a new city is the supermarket or grocery store.

This Carrefour was a makeshift

Turkey is the place to eat lots of fruits, and they didn't disappoint 

I must say Turkey is not the richest country around. I could feel that they are still trying their best to develop, just like Malaysia. I was eager to learn more about this country and the history of the Ottomans. Together with the Mughals and Safavid, they are known as the 3 model Muslim Empires.

An article from Cambridge University Press explains them in detail:

https://www.cambridge.org/core/books/time-in-early-modern-islam/safavid-mughal-and-ottoman-empires/9D55F0A0262017473EC8A9A7ED86C508/core-reader

It felt like Chapter 2 of my travel, after visiting and studying the Mughals in Delhi last December (https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/04/incredible-india-new-delhi-part-1.html) and Agra (https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/01/incredible-india-agra-part-1.html).

The food was equally good

Turkish food are a mixture of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine

It was just perfect for a Malaysian's taste buds

Istanbul Old Town is a lovely city to visit - A blend of modern Islamic culture, and rich in history. 

The city tram was very efficient and convenient

By the Bosphotous Strait is the Dolmabahce Palace - From the glory days of the Ottomans

It was Friday afternoon prayer time, groups of men whizzed pass me in bee lines, and made way into the mosque just outside the Palace

While the call to prayer linger behind my ears, I started understanding this place better

The entrance was fitting for a modern empire - But this is not the only gate

Being built along the Bosphorous, the palace promised spectacular views - Sunrise especially

There were several gates to the strait - You could 'park' your yacht outside

There was a sea of calmness - This was the most important trade route for more than 600 years

Inside the palce, the Harem was where the sultans and his family lived.

Needless to say - It was luxurious 

Daily life of royals

The Father of Turkey - Mustafa Kemal Ataturk spent his last days here

The clock shows the last time he breathed 

And his dying bed remained where it was - To remember a hero of a nation

Around the corner, I found something interesting - Is that a farm?

No. It's a zoolatry / aviary (which I need to use the dictionary to know the meaning)

You find different birds here

I am sure you won't see a dog lazying around in another Muslim country

Opposite the Dolmabache Palace was Besiktas' Stadium. Quite a famous team from Turkey. I visited the club store, and tried to look for Loris Karius, Liverpool's goalkeeper currently on-loan there (after the blunders of Madrid 2018). Nothing fantastic.

 From Besiktas Stadium looking at the Dolmabache Mosque

It was commissioned by queen mother Bezmi Alem Valide Sultan in 1853.

I then found my way to Taksim Square, the main shopping district for a stroll. In the middle of the town was the Galata Tower. 

 You could spot it from far (left) and a fountain just beside the tower

An important fountain built when the Ottomans took over the town

Was called the 'Tower of Jesus' in 1348

I think the Ottomans were able to rule for 620 years because they were open-minded, respectful and took care of their subjects regardless of creed and religion. This is such a diverse region, connecting trade routes between east and west.

It was getting late, colder and drizzling - I watched my steps carefully, and made my way back to the hostel, which is located near the Blue Mosque

I stayed at a hostel just outside the Blue Mosque, at 8 Euros a night. According to the reception, it costs around 40 Euros a night during summer months. I stayed at Cheers Vintage Hostel. The location was splendid.

Sultanahmet Mosque - Also known as the Blue Mosque

Click to enlarge and read

Visiting the mosque on a cold night - It was actually quite serene and peaceful

Opposite the Blue Mosque was Hagia Sopia - The once holiest place in Christendom

I will take a closer look the next day

Dinner - Eat something you can find by the sea

Dessert (Baklava) and tea

For several days, I wondered why tea cups in Turkey had a shallow 'waist'.

I found the reason!

It traps the tea bits...

To be continued in:
https://weesertan.blogspot.com/2020/06/traveling-istanbul-part-2-of-2.html