Istanbul

May 18, 2024

Rarely do I care about the hotel I stay at because I never spend much time in the hotel. Istanbul is an exception to that, I am staying at the Orient Occidental Hotel that is located in Old Town. The hotel only opened 6 months ago and is located in a building that used to be a book store. The hotel is beautiful and the staff is exceptional. They have made me feel really safe and well taken care of.

The old town neighborhood is chaos during the day but in the early morning I was able to walk down to the Bosphous Strait to catch the sunrise with only a few other people! The quiet of the city was the perfect way to start what would become a busy day!!

Istanbul is a major city rich in history with two distinct areas, Europe and Asia that share the Bosphorus Strait. Its Old City reflects cultural influences of the many empires that once ruled here.

I hired a private guide for the two full days that I am in Istanbul because I wanted to immerse myself in the history and culture of the city and only have two full days. Fuat is my guide and he is exceptional!

We headed to the historic district (only an 8 minute walk from my hotel) to begin exploring. The key historical buildings are in the Sultanahmet district. Before the crowds arrived we sat in the courtyard while Euat talked about the history of how Istanbul evolved from being ruled by the Romans to the current day democracy.

Hagia Sophia, officially the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque, is a mosque and former church built in 537 by the Romans is was a Catholic Church for 1000 years then a museum and now a mosque. The beautiful mosaics that were covered over in plaster are now being restored.

The magnificent Blue Mosque was originally named The Sultan Ahmed Mosque, after Sultan Ahmed I who built it. iThe nickname, the Blue Mosque is due to the blue hue coming from the blue tiles outlaid in geometric patterns and floral designs in the mosque. Yes, I forgot my scarf and had to buy one for $1, trust me that one is not making it home…LOL!!!

The Topkapı Palace was the home of the Ottoman Sultan, as well as the center for administration. It has survived four centuries and the rule of 25 sultans. The gardens were spectacular and the displays of weapons, clothing and household goods told the story of the life of the sultans. The Sultans held meetings with representatives from other nations in the large rooms where fountains were used to cover the sounds so others could not spy on them.

The Basilica Cistern – is the largest of several hundred ancient cisterns that lie beneath the city of Istanbul. The underground palace is filled ancient wonders including the Medusa.

The open-air, Roman-era Hippodrome was for centuries the site of chariot races! The Egyptian obelisks that were used as turn around points remain. I stood in the middle of the hippodrome and imaged racing my chariot. Of course I won but then again women were not allowed to race.

Due to Fuat’s connections we skipped to the front of the line and got all of the sites done by early afternoon!!

We headed down to the Grand Bazaar the bazaar originated as a way to trade with other nations. I got a lesson on how hand tied rugs are made. Normally I hate when they start trying to sell me a rug but the gave me apple tea and then dropped the grey rug in front of me that I fell in love with. It is double knotted silk and took 18 months to make. I did walk away but can’t stop thinking about it so I am headed back today to buy it!!!

After Faut dropped me back at the hotel I headed out to find food and enjoy to energy of all the people.

As the sun set I got back to the hotel totally exhausted!! More to explore tomorrow….need sleep!!!

Sorry for the long read but I learned so much and wanted to share a bit of it.