Let me apologize in advance for this post being to pic heavy; I didn’t want to leave anything out. I hope you enjoy!
Grand Bazaar
Boat Ride on the Bosphorus
The Bosporus is a narrow straight that separates the European and Asian part of Istanbul. It is claimed that the Bosphorus is the source of Noah’s flood and the legend of Noah’s Ark.
top: Levis denim shirt | dress: Target (worn as a skirt) | bag: Betsy Johnson (seen here and here) |shoes: ASOS worn (here and here) accessories: Michael Kors watch, rings and earrings, Target belt and scarf
…the Asian side of Istanbul…
Istiklal Street
Taking a stroll along the city’s popular Istiklal Street is something that never gets old. This three-kilometer long, pedestrian-only avenue on the European side of the city, is one the most famous streets in Istanbul. It is the heart o shopping, entertainment, nightlife in the district of Beyoglu. There were an endless variety of both local and international stores, bookstores, cafes, restaurants, food stalls, chestnut vendors, bakeries, bars, clubs, tea houses and so much more lining both the street itself as well as the dozens of tiny lanes that branch off on both sides.
This was the local street dog, and this was our third time seeing him walking the streets. This time he was doing his roll over trick for food. From how fat he was, it looked like he is very well fed from all of his hard work entertaining on Istaklal Steet.
Hagia Sophia
Hagia Sophia was built in 532 by the famous byzantine emperor Justinian I. It was used as a patriarchate in the first years of its founding. After the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. It is now a museum. Hagia Sophia is accepted as one of the 8th wonders of the world.
Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque, also called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish, was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I. The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of the interior design. Just like many other mosques, it also holds the tomb of the founder, a madras, and a hospice. The Blue Mosque is still an active mosque, so it’s closed to non worshippers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers.
Turkish Rugs
We were showed examples of authentic handmade Turkish rugs and were able to compare them to the counterfeit cotton versions. It’s hard to believe these rugs were all made by hand. The detail in the pattern of all the rugs was astonishing. My favorites were the red, ladybug dyed rugs. The colors were so rich and luxurious. For only $10,000 I could have brought one home…LMAO! Yeah, right!
We were served this Turkish apple tea while we were viewing the rugs. It was the best tea I have ever tasted in my life. I kick myself every time I think about not bringing any back.
Istinye Park Mall
This mall was amazing. It had every kind of store you could think of: Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, H&M, Zara, and everything in between.
Read about the rest of our trip here:
Thank you so much for reading!
Aaw I can’t believe you got visit my country of residence! Isn’t it a beautiful country? We have been in America for a couple of months now and I haven’t had a good cup of tea since. That apple tea just looks scrumptious!
That photo of you with all the women in full burka is priceless.
Bisous
Suzanne
They were very excited about me taking the picture and asked if I was going to put it on Facebook and Instagram.
Awww, I loved Istanbul when I was there! Isn’t Hagia Sophia just incredible? It’s hard to believe how long ago it was built. So much history!
The Hagia Sophia was amazing! Beautiful, beautiful building!