Welcome to Istanbul, Turkey, Ramadan 2013
A beautiful fountain as we exited the Istanbul airport
Our first look at the Bosporus River
Roman Ruins throughout Istanbul
Another Glimpse of the Bosporus River
Downtown Istanbul
The Egyptian Obelisk at the Hippodrome
Ramadan Celebration
The Blue Mosque
The View of the Blue Mosque from Cozy’s Restaurant
Views of the Bosporus from Cozy’s Restaurant
More River Views from Cozy’s
Ramadan Celebration
Efes Beer
Turkish Flag
Children Playing in the Fountain
Interesting Trees in Istanbul
Hagia Sophia
Mosque of Eyup Sultan
Sultanahmet, Hippodrome, Inner Courtyard, Istanbul
Amazing Istanbul
Turkish Taffy
Ramadan Chestnuts
Hagia Sophia
The Streets of Istanbul
My Fascination with Hanging Laundry
Roadside Bakery
An Entertainment Center for Dining, Dancing and Shopping
More of Downtown Istanbul
Turkish Guys Posing for Photos
Homes Along the Bosporus
More Roman Ruins
Fatih Sultan Mehmet Bridge in Istanbul
Lighthouse along the Bosporus
The Bridge at Night
At Timur’s in Istanbul
Out on the Town in Istanbul
Our Gracious Host, Timur
Departing Newark to Istanbul
What to See and What to Do:
Contact a Local Tour Guide to take you around the city!
Where to Stay:
Sura Hagia Sophia Hotel Istanbul
Alemdar, Ticarethane Sk. No. 10
Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Telephone: +90 212 522 32 00
Where to Eat:
Cozy Pub and Restaurant
Alemdar, Divan Yolu Cd. No. 60
34110 Fatih/Istanbul, Turkey
Phone: +90 212 520 09 90
Tip: Take the elevator up to the rooftop for spectacular views of the Blue Mosque and surrounding area.
What to Eat:
- Baklava: made with puffed pastry, this dessert has chopped nuts (my favorite is pistachio), and is covered in honey.
- Gozleme is a type of bread that is shaped in a square and stuffed with various fillings such as meat, cheese, potatoes or vegetables and then cooked over a griddle. The cheese and spinach reminds me of spanikopita.
- Iskender Kebab: thinly sliced lamb is smothered in tomato sauce and served with traditional bread, then topped with yogurt and butter.
- Mezze is a sample of several small bites that may include yogurt with herbs, hummus, olives, dolmas (stuffed grape leaves), meatballs, eggplant, white cheese and warm bread.
- Simit is a fun street food bread that is similar to a pretzel.
- Turkish Apple Tea is absolutely amazing and was one of my favorite drinks while visiting Turkey.
- Turkish Delight: a delicious dessert is made up of dates, pistachios, hazelnuts, which is pink in color.
- Turkish Ice Cream, also known as Dondurma, is a little thicker in consistency, but it will not melt. A must try.
- Turkish Pizza is outstanding and tastes so fresh. Made from Turkish Pide (a type of pastry), it is similar to a flatbread with a variety of toppings.
- Turkish Ravioli: dumplings stuffed with beef or lamb served with yogurt.
- Turkish Taffy: similar to our saltwater taffy, this Turkish favorite is softer, stickier and vibrant in color, provided in a variety of flavors
What to Read:
- Istanbul: Memories of a City, by Orhan Pamuk
- The Bastard of Istanbul, by Elif Shahak
- My Name is Red, by Orhan Pamuk
- Istanbul Passage, by Joseph Kanon
Photo Guide for Istanbul:
- Galata Tower for views of Istanbul and the Bosphorus River
- The Blue Mosque for its amazing blue tiles
- The Rainbow Stairs at Sali Pazari Yokusu
- The Rooftop Terrace of Seven Hills Hotel for views of the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace AND the Hagia Sophia
- Rooftop Terrace of Cozy’s Restaurant for views of the Blue Mosque
- Inside the Hagia Sophia in the afternoon when the light shines in from the windows
- The Grand Bazaar
- Balat for colorful structures in the former Jewish neighborhood