Life is a patchwork of experiences
Searching out the street art in Istanbul was a great way to explore this less touristy part of this historic city.
Street art may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of art in Istanbul. But on my recent visit, I discovered some great examples in the area of Kadikoy on the Asian side of the city.
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
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.
Continue reading “PhotoPOSTcard: The Colors of the Silk Road in Istanbul’s Bazaars”
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.
Continue reading “Traditional Turkish Paper Marbling – Learning Beautiful Ebru Art in Istanbul”
Photo location: side street in Istanbul, Turkey
As I was exploring the side streets of Istanbul around the Chora Chuch Museum, I came across these colorful upholstered chairs set out on the sidewalk. I could not figure out why they were there. It was a residential street. If they were in front of a shop, then the shop was closed. What’s more, the street was on a hill so sitting in the chairs would not have been level. Still, I liked how colorful they were even if they did seem out of place.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
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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
Photo location: Istanbul Spice Bazaar. Built in 1664 as a part of the New Mosque complex, this market is colorful, smells great and is a fun place to explore. And yes, it still sells spices.
Thanks for visiting.
Rose
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Quilt Inspiration – I love all the beautiful traditional Turkish Iznik tiles that can be seen in the historic sites in Istanbul like the Blue Mosque and Topkai Palace. I wanted to make a quilt inspired by all those colorful tiles that I admire so much.
Continue reading ““Turkish Delight” – Original Quilt Design”
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.
Continue reading “Sleeping With the Sultan – Behind the Walls of Istanbul’s Topkapi Palace Harem”
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.
Continue reading “Istanbul’s Hagia Irene – A Step Back in Time”
