Our Journey Through Time and Beauty - Turkey Nov/Dec 2024 - Part 1
Istanbul Part 1
Yes, this time round beside my fearless sister Emily, 2 of my friends: Siew Geok and Angie, came along to journey with us to this timeless mysterious country - Turkey.
25 November 2024 - Istanbul
Arrived mid afternoon at Istanbul via Doha, was met with our hotel's arranged transport to our hotel in the Sultan Ahmad District.
Istanbul: a city where history whispers through the minarets and the Bosphorus glistens under the golden sun. My journey through this mesmerizing city was nothing short of magical, filled with awe-inspiring architecture, serene parks, and underground wonders.
Sunset Cruise on the Bosphorus: A Night to Remember
To start off our adventure, we embarked on a dinner cruise along the Bosphorus. Each person about 50 Euro, duration was from 6.00pm to 10.00pm with hotel pick-up. When we boarded the Cruise, there are full for diners already. Foods were bought to us with quick secessions. As the boat glided smoothly over the shimmering waters, the city's skyline came alive with twinkling lights. The fusion of traditional Turkish cuisine and live entertainment, including folk dances and music, created an unforgettable experience. Watching the illuminated silhouettes of landmarks like the Bosphorus Bridge and Dolmabahçe Palace while savoring delicious mezes and grilled delicacies was pure magic. The gentle breeze and the rhythmic sounds of the water made it a perfect, serene beginning to our Istanbul journey.
On another note: The service was not good, probably dued to overcrowded of diners. Everything was rush rush and mass produced.
The sceneries outside .... as we sailed along the European and the Asian side almost make-up for the the lack of services. There were breathtaking with lighted up famost buildings along the banks of the river.
Istanbul: 26th November 2024
Gulhane Park: A Tranquil Escape
Amidst Istanbul's bustling streets, Gulhane Park offered a serene retreat, was only a short walk from our Hotel; Black Pearl. Once the royal gardens of Topkapi Palace, the park was a lush oasis of vibrant flowers during spring time, ancient trees, and inviting benches. We strolled through its paths, breathing in the fresh air, watching families picnic, and enjoying a quiet moment by the dried-up fountains. It was a refreshing contrast to the grand mosques and busy streets a place where locals and tourists alike found solace. A short stroll due north of Gulhane Park we came upon the Blue Mosque and Hagia Sophia.
The Blue Mosque: A Masterpiece of Ottoman Splendor
Stepping into the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, famously known as the Blue Mosque, felt like entering a realm of divine artistry. The towering minarets and cascading domes stood against the sky, a testament to Ottoman grandeur.
Inside, the breathtaking blue Iznik tiles illuminated under soft light, creating a peaceful, almost ethereal atmosphere. As I walked through the vast prayer hall, the intricate calligraphy and stained-glass windows added to the mosque's heavenly charm. It was a place where history and spirituality intertwined seamlessly. This amazing mosque was constructed between 1609 and 1617 during the rule of Ahmed I and remains a functioning mosque today.
Hagia Sophia: Where Two Worlds Collide
Directly opposite the Blue Mosque is the Hagia Sophia, a structure that has witnessed empires rise and fall. Once a Byzantine church, later an Ottoman mosque, and now a place of worship again, its rich history is palpable in every corner. One of the world’s great monuments, was built as a Christian church in the 6th century CE (532–537) under the direction of the Byzantine emperor Justinian I.
The massive dome loomed above me, seemingly floating, supported by ancient yet resilient columns. Faint Christian mosaics peeked through layers of Islamic artistry, telling a story of coexistence.
Standing beneath this architectural marvel, I felt the weight of centuries pass through me a reminder of Istanbul's unique blend of cultures and religions. I stood there in awe, just drinking the sight above and surrounding me, what an architecture marvel!
Basilica Cistern: Istanbul's Hidden Underground World
A short walk and adjacent to the Hagia Sophia is the Basilica Cistern, its entrance was so ordinary and nondescript, if not for the long que outside we might have missed it. Unbeknownst to the world, beneath the city's surface lies a hidden wonder; the Basilica Cistern.
As I descended the dimly lit staircase, I entered an eerie yet enchanting world of towering columns and still waters. The soft glow of lights reflected off the water, creating an almost mystical atmosphere.
The famous Medusa heads, carved into stone, lay at odd angle as a silent guardians of this ancient reservoir. The quiet drip of water and the cool underground air made me feel as though I had stepped back in time. The Basilica Cistern is the largest underground cistern of Byzantine Constantinople. It was built under the Basilica located west of Hagia Sophia. The Basilica Cistern, along with churches like Hagia Sophia, gives an impression of the massive construction projects once undertaken by Justinian I (527-565).Now is the only remaining structure of an important complex of buildings in the vicinity during Late Antique Constantinople.
Istanbul : 27th November 2024
After a good night sleep and a hearty breakfast at our hotel, we set out to venture the other parts of Istanbul, our first stop is The Grand Bazaar.
The Grand Bazaar: A Shopper's Paradise
Wandering into the bustling Grand Bazaar, I was immediately swept up in a vibrant maze of colors, scents, and sounds. With over 4,000 shops, this historic market offered everything from intricate carpets and antique jewelry to handcrafted ceramics and lanterns. The lively chatter of shopkeepers bargaining and the aromatic scent of Turkish coffee filled the air, making the experience both exhilarating and immersive. It was easy to lose track of time while exploring the labyrinthine alleys and discovering hidden treasures.
The Spice Market: A Feast for the Senses
Just a short stroll from the Grand Bazaar, the Spice Market (Misir Carsisi) greeted me with an explosion of fragrances and colors.
Piles of vibrant spices, dried fruits, nuts, and sweets like Turkish delight and baklava created a sensory overload. The warm hospitality of the vendors, offering samples of exotic spices and teas, made the visit even more memorable. We couldn’t resist picking up some Turkish delights and local Kunafa chocolate to bring a taste of Istanbul back home with us.
Galata Bridge
A symbol of Istanbul’s unique connection between different parts of the European side of the city, spanning the Golden Horn.
The air was filled with the scent of the sea and freshly grilled fish from the vendors lining the bridge. Fishermen cast their lines into the Bosphorus, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the city's skyline. We decided to have our lunch in one of the restaurant sampling the famous grilled fish sandwich.
Walking across, I felt the pulse of the city—cars, trams, and pedestrians all converging in a beautiful, chaotic harmony. The views of the Golden Horn and the bustling Eminönü district were unforgettable.
Galata Tower: A Panoramic Glimpse of History
As you might quested, we are slowly but surely making our way towards the towering Galata Tower, standing proudly in the Beyoğlu district. On reaching the tower, we saw the longest queue and decided not to climb the tower as it will be over crowded at the viewing gallery, plus the cloudy and dark sky made that decision easier.
After exploring the surrounding, we decided to make our way back to our hotel, as the sky are threatening to rain soon.
Istanbul : 28th November 2024
I woke up with a serious indigestion discomfort, for the passed few days we have been eating and samplings all sore of local foods, some too sweet and some too oily but all of them are delicious. My body is telling me to fast for the day, only had tea for breakfast, in-fact for the whole day, I was drinking tea and no appetite for other food.
Our plant for today is visiting the Asia side of Istanbul. 1st stop will be the Maiden's Tower.
Maiden's Tower: A Romantic Legend on the Bosphorus
Beylerbeyi Palace: An Ottoman Treasure
Our day concluded at the magnificent Beylerbeyi Palace, nestled on the Asian side of Istanbul. This opulent summer residence of Ottoman sultans is a masterpiece of architecture and design. On the background, the Bosporus Bridge linking the European and the Asia continents in Istanbul.
After our visit to Beylerbeyi Palace, we decide to hang around the Asian side of Istanbul till its time to head back to our hotel.
Istanbul : 29th November 2024
Today is our last day in Istanbul, tonight we will be continuing our journey to Ephesus by overnight bus, leaving from Istanbul Esenler BAYRAMPASA Bus Station at 10pm arriving at Selcuk Bus Station 7.00pm.
Our last point of interest today is the Topkapi Palace; an impressive example of Ottoman architecture and one of the key attractions in Istanbul. It served as the residence of Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years, functioning as both an administrative and educational center of the Ottoman Empire. We decided to opt-out going inside the palace as the weather was beautiful after 2 days of gloominess, we wanted to be under the sun, walking around leisurely enjoying our last day in Istanbul.
Traditional Turkish lunch at a nearby restaurant of our hotel
Exploring the nearby shop and doing last minute purchases.
Reflections on Istanbul
Istanbul is a city that embraces both its past and present, where every street corner has a story to tell. Each landmark offered a unique glimpse into Istanbul’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and beauty. From the majestic mosques to the peaceful parks, hidden underground treasures and the bustling energy of Galata Bridge to the serene elegance of Beylerbeyi Palace, my journey through these iconic sites left me with memories that will last a lifetime. Istanbul truly is a city where every corner tells a story, my time here was an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and beauty.
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