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We rode a commercial bus without problems into Turkey from Bulgaria. Coming into Istanbul, it looked like we were entering a mighty pile of skyscrapers. From the bus station, we had a taxi ride to within a block of the hotel.. a ride I hope never to experience again. I am not a particularly cautious driver myself, but I would never EVER try to drive in Istanbul. I sat in the front seat and was cringing, with my eyes shut, for most of the trip! The hotel was good and close by several good restaurants, and I was glad to be spending another couple of days there after the GAdventure group broke up.
Istanbul/Constantinople/Byzantium has a history even more storied and convoluted than those of Romania and Bulgaria, and again, I refer you to the history books, or at least Wikipedia. Suffice it to say, I had known about it all my life and wanted to visit there forever.
Wikipedia: With a total population of around 15 million residents in its metropolitan area,[3] Istanbul is one of the world's most populous cities, ranking as the world's fourth largest city proper and the largest European city.
Our first morning, after a rather sumptuous breakfast buffet, Umut walked us to the Fatih area, past the entrance to Topkapi palace, and gave us some of the history of this incredible area. We walked past Hagia Sofia to the Blue Mosque first, which, as a mosque, must be entered with head and shoulders covered. Leaving there, we went to Hagia Sofia, founded as a church in 537, turned into a mosque in 1453, and turned into a museum in 1931. Though they look impressive from the outside, both of these buildings are being renovated inside, a little disappointing.
Hagia Sofia is gigantic - several classrooms of kids went in just before us, and were lost in its vastness, though their voices were not. Lots of very hard surfaces for noises to reverberate.
After these visits, I went on the trolley with the others to the Grand Bazaar. They went on to the Spice Market, I ate a lunch in a stall outside the market, then shopped inside. It was much more elaborate than other markets I've been in, more like a shopping mall than the traditional Eastern souks. I got a couple of things, then rode back towards the hotel. On the way back I stopped in a lovely park and rested a bit. I think I'm getting really tired of cities!!
Our last dinner together was near the hotel and very good indeed. The group has been a good one, as usual for GAdventures, but I was glad to be on my own for the rest of my travels.
The Topkapı Palace (Turkish: Topkapı Sarayı[2] or in Ottoman Turkish: طوپقپو سرايى, Ṭopḳapu Sarāyı),[3] or the Seraglio,[4] is a large museum in Istanbul, Turkey. In the 15th century, it served as the main residence and administrative headquarters of the Ottoman sultans.Construction began in 1459, ordered by Mehmed the Conqueror, six years after the conquest of Constantinople. Topkapı was originally called the "New Palace" (Yeni Saray or Saray-ı Cedîd-i Âmire) to distinguish it from the Old Palace in Beyazıt Square. It was given the name Topkapı, meaning Cannon Gate, in the 19th century.[5] The complex was expanded over the centuries, with major renovations after the 1509 earthquake and the 1665 fire. The palace complex consists of four main courtyards and many smaller buildings. Female members of the Sultan's family lived in the harem, and leading state officials, including the Grand vizier, held meetings in the Imperial Council building.
Next morning I set forth to the Fatih area, and first went to the Basilica Cistern, opposite Hagia Sophia and almost as old. It's kept almost drained all the time; it's cool and damp down there, but outside it was hot, so it was a nice relief! I then walked through the area again, stopped for a light salad for lunch and saw the modern condo-like apartments along the Sogukcesme street. Even stopped in a library for a little; it was very hot! And then I went to Topkapi.
As far as I know, Sunday isn't a holiday in Turkey, but it was crowded with Turkish families as well as lots of tourists, not always in groups, thank heavens! I strolled around the courtyards, took photos (though discouraged) in the museums and other buildings. And was very impressed with the Harem, which was a lot more than a retreat for concubines.
I had read many people's reports that the Bosporus cruise was a trip worth taking, so I took the public one, very cheap, up the Bosporus to a place with seafood restaurants for a lunch, then back down. While waiting, I met a very nice gentleman with parrot. I've tried to identify some of the buildings you'll see in the pictures. It was a lovely day to spend on the water.
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