Istanbul Short Break
Street scene in Istanbul
My four days in Istanbul
I don’t think I’ve been anywhere lending itself more to black-and-white photography than Istanbul.
One of the highlights for me was the Ferry from one side of the Bosporus (Boğaz) to the other. Here you can flit between Europe and Asia or visa-versa for about 80p – per person, and that’s return.
Yes, there are countless tours available online, with varying fees… I didn’t try those, Google Maps is my friend.
Having seen the countless YouTube vids on how to get around Istanbul, I took the hint and purchased an Istanbul card and topped it up with a couple of hundred Turkish Lira, I felt immediately at home scanning myself onto trams, metro – even the ferry across the Bosporus to Kadıköy.
In Kadıköy, I was introduced to the powerful alcoholic spirit that is Raki.. never again!… I have no idea how I made the ferry back across the Bosporus that night, let alone to my hotel in Sirkeci. I do recall dancing in the street to music performed by a local busking band. Encouraged to trip the light fantastic by a bunch of cheerful regulars, who ostensibly frequent the bar at weekends (according to the manager), how could I say no?
View of Istanbul from the (Boğaz) Bosporus Ferry
Built in the 6th century, I particularly enjoyed the subterranean palace of Basilica Cistern, today there’s a tiny amount of water, purportedly demonstrating its former glory. The most outstanding feature here is the Medusa Heads – you may, or not agree.
Basilica Cistern, Istanbul
Repelled by the huge zigzagging queue for the Hagia Sophia, I headed over to the Sultan Mausoleum. I’m delighted I did, here there’s respectful silence in one of the most highly decorated interiors I’ve seen. Immediately outside there’s the perfect theatre of a large, cooling water fountain, with the amazing Hagia Sophia, presenting the most amazing vista.
The Sultan Mausoleum, Istanbul
Hurrem Sultan Fountain, Istanbul
Grand Bazaar, Istanbul
Oh the Shopping, oh yes the Grand Bazar is all you imagine, and in spades. What I didn’t expect was to see a woman, hand weaving a rug on a loom.
Kids jumping a free ride on one of the busy Istanbul streetcars
Taking a short tram ride to Karaköy, I found myself surrounded by history alongside the high street. I bought three Levi T-shirts, in the Levi shop sale, for about £10 each… I know – bargain! I’m from Yorkshire, my God is a bargain.
Shopping over, it was time to start heading back to base and just before day turned to night, I was treated to the sight of kids jumping a free ride on one of the busy street cars, which seemed to make their way precariously along İstiklal Caddesi.
Is four days in Istanbul enough?
No, but isn’t that just the best reason to go again?
My final thoughts. Be careful where and what you eat. Buy water and almost every man you meet owns at least three businesses, wink wink… be sceptical.
The Turkish are amazing, friendly, helpful, genuinely good people. Never felt safer anywhere.
