Exploring the heart of Istanbul once again.

History has left mysterious and enchanting marks on this bustling city, the second most populous in the world. Once a pivotal point on the Silk Road, Istanbul played a vital role in the bustling trade of goods. Today, with its convenient air and sea transportation networks, along with the open visa policy from the government, this largest city in Turkey welcomed 11.6 million tourists in 2012, ranking fifth in the world for tourist arrivals.

Arriving in Istanbul on an autumn afternoon, I ascend the Galata Tower, the tallest ancient structure in the city, just in time for sunset. The light drizzle and gentle clouds of the evening sky do not obscure the setting sun. In every direction are grand mosques, echoing the prayers of over 13 million inhabitants. Similar to the serenity felt when listening to Buddhist chants, though not understanding the exact teachings, there's a sense of peace, as if being enveloped by a divine force, cleansing the soul.

The Mark of Islamic Influence

The other day, I embarked on another fascinating visit to a famous landmark - Hagia Sophia. Located in the heart of Istanbul, it is a colossal structure blending Christian church and Islamic mosque architecture. Apart from the stained glass and colorful Christian-themed murals, at the center, just below, is a large Islamic doorway facing towards the Holy Mecca. That day, we happened upon a religious scholar who recounted that this church once belonged to the Roman Empire. After the conquest by Sultan Mehmed II in 1453, it was converted to serve Islamic rituals.

While this land is a crossroads between Europe and Asia, I was particularly struck by the grandeur of the Eastern influences, which have made Turkey an inseparable part of Asia. This is evident in the architecture of the mosques and grand palaces, intricately adorned in Istanbul. The city boasts a total of 64 magnificent mosques, making it nearly impossible to visit them all in a short time. Among these, some notable landmarks include the Sultan Ahmed Mosque (Blue Mosque) with its vibrant ceramic tile details, constructed during the golden age of the Ottoman Empire in the 16th and 17th centuries.

In essence, Ottoman architecture is a fusion of traditional Mediterranean and Middle Eastern architectural styles, achieving a remarkable level of sophistication. The Ottomans mastered the art of constructing expansive spaces within grand domes, attaining perfect harmony between interior and exterior landscapes as well as the arrangement of light and shadow. Whereas mosques' spaces were typically confined and dim with thick walls, under the Ottomans, they underwent a transformation through a dynamic architectural language of arches, domes, half domes, and columns... becoming elegant, dignified sanctuaries, preserving a balance between aesthetics, engineering, and evoking a sense of transcendental energy of heaven and earth for visitors.

The vibrant hues of a Persian bazaar

Istanbul boasts many iconic landmarks, one of which is the Grand Bazaar, the largest indoor market in the world. This locale has served as the backdrop for numerous famous films such as 007 -Skyfall, Taken. I strolled from Hagia Sophia to the Grand Bazaar and had the marvelous experience of shopping, which can be described as nothing short of magical. It's worth noting that the gold shops, jewelry stores, and currency exchange outlets within the Grand Bazaar offer currency exchange services with the best rates in the city. The colossal market is filled with an array of items from jewelry to antique maps, intricately woven carpets, and even an Aladdin's lamp!

I felt transported, as if wandering through a scene from the tales of One Thousand and One Nights in the Persian bazaar. The Grand Bazaar is so vast that visitors may easily get lost without a map handy. I immersed myself in the bustling crowds and made sure to pick up a few small souvenirs before departing.

Kebab, tea, and shisha

When discussing the culinary culture of Turkey in general and Istanbul in particular, one cannot overlook Kebab, tea, and Shisha. The traditional Kebab dish consists of grilled beef or lamb served with rice or wrapped in a flour tortilla, known worldwide as the quintessential dish of the land of flying carpets.

Discover the magic within ***

Explore the world with insights from Mytour