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Istanbul: A City of Two Continents

 

Istanbul is the largest city in Turkey, serving as the country's economic, cultural and historic hub. The city straddles two continents, across the Bosphorus Strait, lying in both Europe and Asia, and has a population of over 15 million residents, comprising 19% of the population of Turkey.

Istanbul is the most populous European city, and the world's 15th largest city situated in the Marmara Region - Turkey.
The city was founded as Byzantium by Greek settlers from Megara in the 7th century BCE. In 330 CE, the Roman emperor Constantine the Great made it his imperial capital, renaming it first as New Rome and then as Constantinople after himself. The city grew in size and influence, eventually becoming a beacon of the Silk Road and one of the most important cities in history. The city served as an imperial capital for almost 1600 years: during the Roman / Byzantine, Latin, late Byzantine, and Ottoman empires. The city played a key role in the advancement of Christianity during Roman/Byzantine times, hosting four of the first seven ecumenical councils before its transformation to an Islamic stronghold following the Fall of Constantinople in 1453 CE—especially after becoming the seat of the Ottoman Caliphate in 1517.

 

Istanbul is a city that amazed me and I enjoyed it very much. It has a rich and diverse culture that reflects the legacy of the many empires that ruled it. The Sultanahmet area is the heart of the Old City, where you can admire the Roman-era Hippodrome with its ancient obelisks, the stunning Byzantine Hagia Sophia with its 6th-century dome and mosaics, and many other attractions. The Bosphorus, Galata Tower, Taksim Square, Balat with its colourful houses, Grand Bazaar and Spice Bazaar are also special and unique places to visit. There is so much more to discover in this big and beautiful city that I highly recommend it.

 

One of the highlights of visiting this city is the food, which is delicious and tasty. The Anatolian Turkish cuisine offers a variety of traditional and famous dishes that are very affordable compared to the prices in London. Another advantage is the transportation system, which is very efficient and convenient. You can easily get around the city by metro, tram or bus. Moreover, there are plenty of things to do and see in this city, from historical sites to cultural events.
The city has more than fifty museums, with the Topkapı Palace, the most visited one.

 

Some of the top sights to see in Istanbul are:

 

- Hagia Sophia, a former church, mosque, museum and now again mosque that showcases the architectural and artistic achievements of Byzantine and Ottoman civilizations. It is famous for its massive dome, intricate mosaics and stunning calligraphy.
The mosque was originally built as an Eastern Orthodox Church and was used as such from the year 360 until the conquest of Constantinople by the Ottoman Empire in 1453. It served as a mosque until 1935, when it became a museum. In 2020, the site once again became a mosque.

 

- The Blue Mosque, named after its blue tiles that adorn its interior walls. It has six minarets, a large courtyard and a capacity of 10,000 worshippers.
The Blue Mosque in Istanbul, also known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, is an Ottoman era, 17th-century, historical imperial mosque and one of the most iconic landmarks of Istanbul. It is a functioning mosque; it also attracts large numbers of tourist visitors. It was constructed between 1609 and 1616 during the rule of Ahmed I. Hand-painted blue tiles adorn the mosque’s interior walls, and at night the mosque is bathed in blue as lights frame the mosque’s five main domes, six minarets and eight secondary domes. It sits next to the Hagia Sophia, the principal mosque of Istanbul until the Blue Mosque's construction and another popular tourist site. The Blue Mosque was included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site list in 1985 under the name of "Historic Areas of Istanbul".

 

- The Obelisk of Theodosius, an ancient monument that stands in the Hippodrome of Constantinople, now known as Sultanahmet Square in Istanbul. It was originally carved by the Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III and erected in Luxor. Later, it was transported and re-erected by the Roman Emperor Theodosius I in the 4th century AD.

 

- The Grand Bazaar, one of the largest and oldest covered markets in the world, with 61 covered streets and over 4,000 shops selling everything from carpets and jewellery to spices and souvenirs. It is a labyrinth of colourful alleys and courtyards that attracts millions of visitors every year (between 250,000 and 400,000 visitors daily). In 2014, it was listed No.1 among the world's most-visited tourist attractions with more than 91 million annual visitors. The Grand Bazaar at Istanbul is often regarded as one of the first shopping malls of the world.

- The Spice Bazaar, a smaller but equally vibrant and popular market. It is located next to the New Mosque in the Eminönü area of the Fatih district, overlooking the Golden Horn. It specializes in spices, herbs, nuts, dried fruits and other delicacies. It is also a great place to enjoy a nice meal and do some shopping. You can bargain with the vendors and get good deals, but be careful not to get lost in the narrow streets around the bazaar. They are not numbered like the stalls inside the covered market. I suggest you go early in the morning when the bazaar opens, as it gets very crowded later in the day and it can be hard to walk around.

 

- Galata Tower, a medieval old stone tower part of the Beyoğlu district that offers panoramic views of Istanbul from its observation deck. It was built by the Genoese in 1348 as part of their defensive wall as a watchtower at the highest point of the (lost) Walls of Galata, the tower is now an exhibition space and museum, and a symbol of Beyoğlu and Istanbul.

- Balat and Fener, two historic neighbourhoods hidden gems on a hillside overlooking the Golden Horn and they will charm you with colourful houses and cafes.
They are famous for their colourful houses that create a picturesque scenery. Some of the houses are over 200 years old and have a unique wooden architecture. Balat has a rich cultural and religious diversity with friendly atmosphere, as it is home to Jewish, Christian, Greeks, and Muslim communities who have lived together for centuries. You can see synagogues, churches and mosques in the same area, which is rare and remarkable and that reflect the different traditions and lifestyles of these communities.
Balat is a place where you can experience the authentic and historical side of Istanbul, away from the crowds and noise of the city. The best time to visit Balat is in the morning, when you can enjoy the peaceful and picturesque scenery as it is relatively unknown for most tourists.
Visiting Balat is best during the morning and it is relatively unknown for most tourists but it is a must-see in Istanbul that you don’t want to miss.

Restaurants and special dishes

 

One of the best things about Istanbul is the food, which is delicious and affordable. You can find many cosy and simple places that serve authentic local cuisine, similar to Greek tavernas or Italian osterias. My wife and I, did some research and we found some great spots where we could have a nice meal for two for as low as £10. You can also get a wrap kebab for £3 or a shish BBQ for £4. Of course, the prices are higher in more touristic areas and fancier restaurants, but they are still reasonable compared to London. You can enjoy a variety of grilled meat dishes (kebabs) with sides, or try some of the tasty stews made with chicken, lamb or beef with sauce and vegetables. One of the most typical stews is testi kebab, also known as clay or terracotta kebab. It is slow cooked in a clay pot that is cracked open before serving. In some restaurants, they still do the traditional show with fire and breaking the pot. We had this amazing experience (see picture) and I highly recommend it as a unique and memorable
way to taste the Anatolian cuisine in Istanbul or Turkey.

The nice thing is that even in a more touristic and upscale restaurant (which I also tried a few times), you can still have a very nice meal with drinks, Turkish tea and typical dessert for only £25 or £30 for two persons.

 

Some of the best things to do in Istanbul (and I did not manage to experience them all) are:

 

- Take a cruise on the Bosporus
- Enjoy Turkish cuisine: it is a gastronomic paradise that offers a variety of dishes influenced by different cultures and regions. Some of the must-tries are kebabs, mezes (appetizers), baklava (sweet pastry), kahve (Turkish coffee) and çay (tea).
- Visit a hamam (Turkish bath)
- Explore the museums: Istanbul has a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is reflected in its museums. Some of the most popular ones are Topkapi Palace, which was the residence and administrative center of the Ottoman sultans for four centuries; Istanbul Archaeology Museums, which display artefacts from ancient civilizations such as Mesopotamia, Egypt and Greece; Kariye Museum (Chora Church), which has stunning Byzantine mosaics and frescoes; and Dolmabahce Palace, which was the lavish home of the last Ottoman rulers.
- Experience the nightlife: Istanbul is a lively and cosmopolitan city that offers a variety of entertainment options for night owls. You can enjoy live music, dance clubs, bars, pubs, cafes and restaurants in different neighbourhoods such as Beyoglu, Kadikoy, Besiktas and Karakoy. You can also watch traditional Turkish shows such as whirling dervishes, belly dancers and shadow puppets.

 

Istanbul is a city that never ceases to amaze and delight its visitors. It is a place where history, culture, nature and modernity coexist in harmony.

Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, romance or inspiration, you will find it in Istanbul.

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