Category: Turkey

 

Sharing my photos and stories from all my Turkey travel experiences

PhotoPOSTcard: How Does a Turk Get to the Other Side

Early morning fog shrouds the Bosphorus Bridge, the first bridge to connect the European side to the Asian side of Istanbul. At the time of its completion in 1970, it was the fourth longest suspension bridge in the world. Since then, two additional bridges have been built across the Bosphorus.  In December 2016, the Eurasia tunnel connecting the two continents was also completed. But Istanbul’s expansive ferry system is still an integral means of transport as 300,000 passengers use them daily to get from one side to the other.

Thanks for visiting

Rose

PhotoPOSTcard: A Balanced Breakfast

Simit is a common street food in Istanbul.  Dough is formed into a ring, dipped in grape molasses and sesame seeds and then baked. Vendors sell it from street carts, or, as in this case, by carrying a tower of freshly baked simit around the neighborhood to sell to local residents. This gives a whole new meaning to a balanced breakfast.

Thanks for visiting

Rose

PhotoPOSTcard: The Colors of the Silk Road in Istanbul’s Bazaars

Istanbul’s bazaars are a riot of colors, flavors and fragrances. They will completely engulf all your senses. Narrow covered passageways are lined with small store fronts that sell a rainbow of spices, a kaleidoscope of colorful Arabic lamps, scarves in every conceivable color, tiles and pottery with the traditional blue and red tulip designs, a multitude of patterned pillows, fabrics and carpets, and much, much more. The walls reverberate with the noise of local and tourist shoppers haggling to get the best prices. Shopkeepers are relentless in their calls to get passerby’s attentions. It’s busy. It’s noisy. It’s chaotic. And it’s one of the quintessential Istanbul experiences, even if your senses can only take it for a short time.

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Traditional Turkish Paper Marbling – Learning Beautiful Ebru Art in Istanbul

When I travel, I am always on the lookout for new and unique experiences or classes, especially if they involve a creative element. So, when my friend and traveling companion discovered a class where we could learn Turkish paper marbling in Istanbul, I knew I needed to fit that into my Istanbul itinerary.

I booked the  Turkish paper marbling class online (Like A Local) the day before I was planning to participate. I quickly received a confirmation e-mail with directions to the class location. It was in the Sultanahmet area and not far from my hotel, so it was a brief 3 block walk, and very easy to find.

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PhotoPOSTcard: Reflecting on a Perfect Morning in Istanbul

The photo for this post was recognized in the 2018 North American Travel Journalists Association awards competition with a Bronze in the Architecture,Online category.

Istanbul’s treasure, the wonderful Hagia Sofia, is perfectly reflected in a morning cup of Turkish tea at the Seven Hills Hotel rooftop restaurant. A day cannot start out any better than this.

Thanks for visiting

Rose

Sleeping With the Sultan – Behind the Walls of Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace Harem

The Topkapi Palace harem complex is a beautiful and still slightly mysterious part of the Topkapi Palace which was the home of the Ottoman Empire Sultans.

Paris has the Palace of Versailles. Vienna has the Hofburg Palace. London has Buckingham Palace. In Istanbul, it is Topkapi Palace that was the opulent home to the Sultan rulers of the Ottoman Empire and their female entourage for almost 400 years. Learn about what went on behind the walls of the Topkapi Palace harem.

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Istanbul’s Hagia Irene – A Step Back in Time

Before the more famous Hagia Sofia was built, Hagia Irene served as the main church in Constantinople. Hagia Irene also served as a model for the construction of the Hagia Sofia next door.

To step through the door into Hagia Irene in Istanbul is to step through a time portal back to fourth century Constantinople. Before the more famous Hagia Sofia was built, Hagia Irene served as the main church for the capital of the Byzantine Empire. Hagia Irene also served as a model for the construction of the Hagia Sofia next door.

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PhotoPOSTcard: Traditional Turkish Tea – a True Istanbul Experience

My first visit to Istanbul was in the spring of 2016 with my husband. We were excited to experience all the great history and culture and came back with many great memories. But one of our most memorable moments was a quiet hour that we spent sipping Turkish tea at sunset, looking out over the Bosphorus.

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