Straddling two continents at the intersection of the Silk Road and Bosphorus Straight, Istanbul is the grandest crossroad in the world…
… a delicious blend of Roman and Ottoman, East and West, traditional and modern, religious and secular. So, score a fistful of Turkish Lira and immerse yourself in the sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and textures of this enchanting metropolis.
Let’s go!
Turkish Passport StampsTurkish LiraBut don’t drink the water!Filming a TV showBlue Mosque InteriorTurkish breakfast is not for those in a hurry!Basilica CisternColumn of ConstantineA fresh fish sandwich from a tipsy fishing boat is not to be missed!BarberGalata Bridge FishGalata Bridge FishermenGalat Tower and Galata Bridge at nightGalata TowerView of Old City from Galata TowerFresh Fruit Merchant CartMotorcycle and Interesting Pictures
Grand Bazaar
Hagia Sofia
Cemberlitas Hamam
After dinner, take a steam, scrub, and massage in an Ottoman-era Turkish Bath (Hamam)Elgin, my skilled and friendly barber!Music Store Window
Istikial Street Scenes
Stroll the cosmopolitan, pedestrian-friendly Istikial.
Turkish Food & Drink
Eating in Istanbul is always a special occasion.The cozy restaurants in the narrow lanes in the old city are unique in all the world.Baklava, all you want!
Kadıköy (on the Asian side)
The Asia side of the city is not to be missed.Ferry across the Bosphorus and be delighted by cosmopolitan Kadikoy.It’s impossible to witness the finish line at a marathon and not be filled with hope for world peace!Relax to live music at a shisha bar and be prepared to meet new friends Muslim cemeteryEarly stage of the run-up-the-meter- taxi scam!Late stage of the run-up-the-meter- taxi scam!The dignified kinetic energy of the whirling dervishes is mesmerizing!
