Istanbul is a city I always wanted to see. It actually is on many people’s list, but most of them consider it too dangerous because of the street robberies and the recent local attacks involving the police. What can I say, Istanbul was peaceful during my short stay, I haven’t had any kind of problem and that added to the wonderful time spent there. Now that we covered the ”danger”, what do you should actually be prepared for in Istanbul is best street food, absolutely delicious sweets, wonderful panoramas and long, long queues. And really lots of them! So, how do you handle a 14 million inhabitants city? You take it one step at a time. Here are some highlights of my trip:
Hagia Sophia
My absolutely favourite place in Istanbul even before I landed there. The reason – a very personal one: the Holy Trinity Cathedral in Sibiu is a construction that resemblances Hagia Sophia, so it possesses a certain familiarity. The former Greek Orthodox church turned into a Roman Catholic cathedral, later on into a mosque and finally into a museum is famous for its massive dome – it actually was the largest cathedral for nearly one thousand years – served as inspiration for many other Ottoman mosques – Blue Mosque, Șehzade Mosque, Suleymaniye Mosque etc. Hagia Sophia is famous for its mosaics, now recovered from under the plaster.
The Blue Mosque
Built right in front of Hagia Sophia, Sultan Ahmed Mosque got its nickname from the blue tiles adorning the interior walls. Judging by the queues, it is probably the most visited mosque in Istanbul. And for sure one of the most photographed landmarks.
Topkapi Palace
The residence of Ottoman sultans for about 400 years, Topkapi is actually a city within the city as it was inhabited by 4000 people. You should definitely buy tickets for the Harem (sold separately), be prepared to queue a lot and see the wonders of the great Ottoman Empire. I especially enjoyed the gardens – with thousands of tulips and madly scented hyacinths.
Chora Church
One of the best known Byzantine churches, also converted into a mosque and later into a museum – famous for the mosaics and the frescoes.
Basilica Cistern
Built in the sixth century, it is the largest of the several hundred ancient cisterns under Istanbul. The ceiling is supported by 336 marble columns – the most intriguing ones being the two carved with the visage of the Medusa.
Galata Tower
The medieval stone tower in the Galata quarter offers a panoramic view over the peninsula. Tip: make sure you get there at sunset!
Lale Festivali
April in Istanbul is special because of the annual International Tulip Festival (Istanbul Lale Festivali). Unlike common belief, tulips originated in Turkey, not Holland. In April, millions of tulips are planted in Istanbul’s parks and avenues, basically anywhere, making the city a huge garden.
Cruise on the Bosphorus
Of course, you can’t visit Istanbul and leave without going by boat on the Bosphorus. I chose the one that goes nearly to the Black See and allows you to stroll for a few hours on the Asian side of Istanbul. Double joy as it was my first time on this continent.
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