Istanbul, or Constantinople as it was called in former times, is the only city in the world that spans two continents. The European side hosts most of the sights while the Asian side has a more alternative feeling, I thought. Both sides are worth visiting.
When I went to Istanbul in March 2013, my main intention was visiting my sister, who studies in Istanbul for a Master's degree. Little did I know that this city has so much more to offer for both visitors and residents. On the first day, we went to have a really awesome breakfast with a stunning view across the Bosporus:
I later parted from my sister and her friends; for I was new to the city and wanted to get the regular sight-seeing experience. For this, we first went back to Taksim square, which is considered to be the center of Istanbul and also a famous meeting point. Right on the Taksim square, there is a monument connected to Atatuerk, the founder of modern Turkey.
From the Taksim square, one can take the historical tram down to the Galata district. The ride goes through the famous Istiklal avenue, a huge shopping street and one of the best places to spend an evening on the European side of Istanbul.
When we went through, there was some kind of demonstration going on, although I couldn't figure out what they demonstrated for.
I then went down the Istiklal avenue and climbed up the Galata tower. Well, actually, they had an escalator in there, which kind of disappointed me. However, the view from up there was superb:
Traveling alone can have its advantages. When I took the elevator up the Galata tower, I encountered a senior Japanese citizen, who actually talked to me first. We then found out that he lives just 2 stations from the area in which I used to live in Tokyo. We also found out that both of us work for an accounting firm (albeit competing ones). He was in Istanbul for a business trip and arrived a day earlier to visit a the city, which he last visited about 20 years ago. For me, this was a perfect time to speak some Japanese and also listen to the many different facets the city offered two decades ago. As coincidental this encounter was, we became travel companions on that day. After we had enough of the view from the Galata tower, we went down to the bridge that leads right next to the Grand Bazar and the famous mosques: Ayasofya and Blue Mosque.
Of the two monuments, I found the Blue Mosque more stunning. Its a huge building and beautiful to look at.
Panoramic shot from the inside:
One can even enter the mosque while people are praying.
I didn't find the Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), although historically more important, as impressive as the Blue Mosque. However, in its rich history makes it a must visit; for it used to be a Christian church and was later changed into a mosque.
On the second day, I took part in a boat cruise up the Bosporus. We went almost as far as to the Black Sea, but not quite. As the weather wasn't that great, there won't be many pictures in this category.
In Istanbul, there are mosques everywhere:
On another day, while straying through Sultanahmet and its surroundings, I passed by the campus of Istanbul University. Very nice entrance indeed. Thinking back on my university days, I kind of regret not having done a semester abroad in another European country. Apparently, funding is easily accessed via the Erasmus programme.
When I went to Istanbul in March 2013, my main intention was visiting my sister, who studies in Istanbul for a Master's degree. Little did I know that this city has so much more to offer for both visitors and residents. On the first day, we went to have a really awesome breakfast with a stunning view across the Bosporus:
View from Taksim My House
I later parted from my sister and her friends; for I was new to the city and wanted to get the regular sight-seeing experience. For this, we first went back to Taksim square, which is considered to be the center of Istanbul and also a famous meeting point. Right on the Taksim square, there is a monument connected to Atatuerk, the founder of modern Turkey.
Republic Monument at Taksim Square
When we went through, there was some kind of demonstration going on, although I couldn't figure out what they demonstrated for.
I then went down the Istiklal avenue and climbed up the Galata tower. Well, actually, they had an escalator in there, which kind of disappointed me. However, the view from up there was superb:
Traveling alone can have its advantages. When I took the elevator up the Galata tower, I encountered a senior Japanese citizen, who actually talked to me first. We then found out that he lives just 2 stations from the area in which I used to live in Tokyo. We also found out that both of us work for an accounting firm (albeit competing ones). He was in Istanbul for a business trip and arrived a day earlier to visit a the city, which he last visited about 20 years ago. For me, this was a perfect time to speak some Japanese and also listen to the many different facets the city offered two decades ago. As coincidental this encounter was, we became travel companions on that day. After we had enough of the view from the Galata tower, we went down to the bridge that leads right next to the Grand Bazar and the famous mosques: Ayasofya and Blue Mosque.
Of the two monuments, I found the Blue Mosque more stunning. Its a huge building and beautiful to look at.
Panoramic shot from the inside:
One can even enter the mosque while people are praying.
Interior view looking up:
I didn't find the Ayasofya (Hagia Sophia), although historically more important, as impressive as the Blue Mosque. However, in its rich history makes it a must visit; for it used to be a Christian church and was later changed into a mosque.
On the second day, I took part in a boat cruise up the Bosporus. We went almost as far as to the Black Sea, but not quite. As the weather wasn't that great, there won't be many pictures in this category.
Although, on the way back, I could get some nice shots on one of the Bosporus bridges. It is really amazing just how large these bridges are.
In Istanbul, there are mosques everywhere:
On another day, while straying through Sultanahmet and its surroundings, I passed by the campus of Istanbul University. Very nice entrance indeed. Thinking back on my university days, I kind of regret not having done a semester abroad in another European country. Apparently, funding is easily accessed via the Erasmus programme.
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