After leaving Croatia early, John and I were looking for a place to go next. It had to be friendly, interesting, close and outside the Schengen Area. I'd always wanted to visit Turkey and John had such a wonderful time there seven years ago that it was an easy decision to go back. We'd start in Istanbul, of course.
Turkey's flag
With over 13 million people, 5,343 square kilometers (2,063 sq miles) and straddling two continents, Istanbul is quite literally an enormous city. But it isn't just the statistics that make it feel so big. Its seven hills dwarf you as you stand, taking in all the sights, smells, sounds and tastes coming from every direction. I'm a big-city girl but nothing prepared me for such a gigantic place.
Big Domes and Spaces
The dome of the Aya Sofya, completed in 537
and its big space (with big crowds to fill it).
The big arches and dome of the Blue Mosque, built by Sultan Ahmet I to outdo the Aya Sofya.
The underground Basilica Cistern, once used to store water for the Great Palace
The Ciragan Palace, where we enjoyed a delicious anniversary dinner.
Big, Bold Colours and Smells
Beautiful textures and fabrics in every colour of the rainbow
Exotic spices and delicacies at the Spice Bazaar
Intricate windows in the Harem at Topkapi Palace
Big Tastes
Locals fish in the big Bosphorus.
Big mussels on offer in the street
Big Baklava and sweet treats in so many windows
Turkish ice cream with pistachio nuts
A kebap on every corner
Eat simply or like a sultan!
Our feast for the senses will last two weeks...have you been to Turkey? What did you like best?
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52 Comments on "Istanbul is Larger Than Life"
Hi Andrea, thank you for such a nice post with nice shots. There are lots of things to say about this timeless city, street foods, culture, warm people, rich history…
Nice to read all good comments about my city ???? Istanbul is alive 7/24 u always find something to do.
We are fortunate to spend a lot of time in Istanbul and other places throughout the country. I would never leave!
[…] With only two weeks in Turkey, we searched for a beach destination that wasn’t far from Istanbul, somewhere to relax and enjoy the last throes of summer. We found it in pretty Bozcaada (whose […]
I’ve always heard about Istanbul as a beautiful city with glorious architecture and your pictures are proof! Love the shot of the teas/spices! mmm!
It’s such a fantastic place – try to make it there if you can! =)