A destination that has been on my bucket list for long, Istanbul is even more breath-taking in reality than what the pictures prepare you for. The modern sites alongside old-world charm and monolithic structures adds a mystic touch to the place, which is tough to put down in words. The food, shopping and people all together make the experience worthwhile. Here’s what all fascinated me in Istanbul.
Priyanka Saxena Ray
As soon as we stepped into the newly-constructed Istanbul Airport what struck me the most was the massiveness of the structure. It’s huge and yet extremely well-managed. Enroute to our hotel – Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus, which is one of the oldest and classy hotels in the city, the country side that the destination had to offer was quite intriguing and left us asking many questions to our learned Guide.
According to data published not so long ago in one of the reputed journals, around 5.42 million tourists visited the Turkish city of Istanbul between January and May of this year, which is 11 per cent more compared to the same period in 2018. Moreover, the overall number of foreign tourists who visited Turkey has grown by 11.3 per cent compared to last year, totalling 12.8 million visitors over the five-month period. The total number of travellers coming to Turkey increased by 11.5 per cent.
Though we were pressed for time and had to see much in a shorter span, we still managed to catch the pulse of Istanbul through some of its “must” experiences that we indulged in –
Click an overview pic from Galata Tower
The Galata Street, which wasn’t so popular until sometime back, has now become one of the most bustling points in Istanbul. Dotted with shops selling lights and bulbs, the Galata Square plays host to many delicious savouries that offer global cuisines. After enjoying a good meal, gear up to climb atop Galata Tower to get a mesmerising view of the city below. Though there is a lift that will take you on most of your trip up, there are a couple of flight of stairs that one will have to go up in order to reach the top. Once at the top, the 360 degree narrow observatory offers some amazing view of the city below and clicking a selfie here is a must. The tower has been modified over the centuries, at one time being used as an observation tower to spot fires. Today, its upper reaches include a café, restaurant and a night club,
Enjoy an Ice cream at Galata Square
The Turkish ice-cream is famous world-over and is a must try at the Galata Square. After all that walk, you definitely deserve it!
Experience the traditional Hamaam
Turkish Baths or Hamaams are much more than what you would have imagined or what the movies might have prepared you for. If a Spa or a massage relaxes you then you must definitely experience a traditional ‘Turkish Bath’. The actual set up of a circular room with large domed ceilings works as a steam room of its own. The centre of the Hamaam always has a marble block where you and others will lay on, with only a towel around your waist, allowing the steam in the rooms to soften your skin. Once ready, the lady workers at the Hamaam, who have been assigned to give you a bath, will first use a scrubber to remove all the dead skin from your body and wash you with plenty of soothing hot water. The steam, the scrubbing and the water truly offers a refreshing experience to those who come to indulge in a traditional Turkish Bath.
Visit Hagia Sophia
The construction of Hagia Sophia started out as a Greek Eastern Orthodox basilica that was home to the Patriarch of Constantinople when it was built in 537. For almost six decades in the 12th century, the monument was treated as a Roman Catholic Church. It then went on to become a mosque in 1453, remaining that way until 1931, the year when it was closed. However, owing to its architectural beauty and historic significance, the Hagia Sophia reopened as a museum in 1935. At one time, it was the largest cathedral in the world that inspired construction of many other mosques, including the Blue Mosque, as it was such a great example of Byzantine architecture. It is most famous for its mosaics depicting various religious scenes and continues to draw visitors in large numbers who come to marvel at the marvel.
Say a prayer at Blue Mosque
A landmark in Istanbul is the famous Blue Mosque, which was built in the early 17th century and even today remains an active house of worship. Though most parts of the Mosque are undergoing some restoration work, numerous visitors throng the place to not just say a prayer but also marvel its architectural splendour. All visitors to the Mosque must remove their shoes and women must cover their hair. The marvel that houses more than 20,000 ceramic tiles in various tulip designs and 200 stained glass windows, all with intricate designs, is a sight to behold. The mosque was built by Sultan Ahmet and was names Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles on the dome and the upper levels of the interior.
Shop at the Grand Bazaar
No travel trip is complete without shopping for local souvenirs. When in Istanbul, shopping for knick-knacks at the Grand Bazaar is a must. The bazaar dates back to 1461 and is today home to two mosques, four fountains, two hamaams or steam baths, and the Cevahir Bedesten, where the rarest and most valuable items have been found traditionally. The place receives more than a quarter-million visitors a day who come looking for traditional and authentic Turkish jewellery, carpets that may or may not fly, spices, antiques and hand-painted ceramics, delicate lamps and more.
