We arrived at lovely 20 degree and wonderful weather. From the roof terrace of our lodging we had a brilliant view over the the city and Hagia Sofia. Hagia Sofia once was a Christian church, later a Mosque and today it is a museum.
I was glad we visited Istanbul in winter because there are less tourists. No hot sweaty trips through the city, no standing in line for hours. In December it was really easy-going, but yet there were still more tourits than I had imagined.
I was glad we visited Istanbul in winter because there are less tourists. No hot sweaty trips through the city, no standing in line for hours. In December it was really easy-going, but yet there were still more tourits than I had imagined.
Istanbul is just awesome. The city spans across 2 continents and two culteres, the European and the Asian are bumping into each other, so it is a very diverse place. It´s history goes back to the 6th century, and since then this significant city has had many names. Originally called Byzanz, under Konstantin the I, the city was rechristened Constantinople and today it is known under the name Istanbul. It served as the capital of four empires: The Roman, the Byzantine, the Latin and the Ottoman empire.
But, back to our trip: here and there we could see a few windows that were decorated in the European manner, but besides there was nothing that made you feel like it was Christmas. Really refreshing ;) On the 24th we went out for dinner in an Asian restaurant. We sat on carpets around a really low table (my dad had some problems with putting his legs somewhere) and enjoyed the delicious asian cuisine.
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Istanbul is a city of cultural diversity and history, and (at least I had the impression) .... of cats. Seriously, never in my life I have seen a place with so many cats. They were everywhere, and in great number. Sleeping in the sun on benches, on parked cars, scaring or pleasing some tourists....
During our trip we visited as much famous places in Istanbul as possible.
Blue Mosque
The Sultan Ahmed Mosque also know as the "Blue Mosque" is the only Mosque in Istanbul that has 6 minarets ( minaretes are the spires around a mosque). As a woman you have to cover your hair if you want to go inside and see the impressing interior. We visited the Mosque around midday and dozends of male Moslems were kneeing on beautiful carpets and praying, oriented towards Mekka.
From the Minaretts men called Muezzin call the Moslem popoation to prayer five times a day. They usually have beautiful voices and you can hear their melodic calls in the whole city.
Grand Bazaar
To get into the Grand Bazaar of Istanbul you have to enter a tiny, inconspicous stone gateway. But what is behind is simply stunning. Hundrets of stalls one close to the other, selling EVERYTHING you can imagine. Carpets, jewellery, bags, souveniers... anything your heart desires.
In Turkey it is a custom to negotiate about the price of the item you want to buy. I tried my luck and got a bag for a pretty good price.
The Bazaar is huge and its not hard to get lost in its labyrithine corridors.
Our trip ended after 5 days so we went back home where snowy cold weather welcomed us. Istanbul was a city that really impressed me personaly and I will definitely come back - maybe next Chrismas :)
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