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