Istanbul was by far one of the most memorable cities that we visited. With a population of over 13 million people, the city was bustling with life and energy everywhere we went.
If I could describe the city in one word it would be: Artistic.
We started off in beautiful Old Istanbul and waited in long lines to see a couple mosques. The pictures only begin to speak for just how truly breathtaking the mosques are.
Afterward, we walked around the gorgeous Gülhane Park admiring its beautiful Amazon-like trees.
I also encountered quite the bathroom situation, which consisted of a pee-covered hole in the ground! The worst part was that I had to fork over 1 Euro to use a pee-covered hole in the ground. It was obviously picture worthy. It’s like I knew I would be a blogger some day and be able to share it with you all. ;) The picture will explain everything, although you might not want to look at the picture if you’re eating…
After our visit through Old Istanbul, we crossed the bridge to the modern part of the city and started walking to Istiklal Caddesi avenue which has all the main shopping. After walking just 10 minutes, we quickly realized that it probably wasn’t the best place to be walking alone.
A car pulled up ahead of us and a woman jumped out of the car screaming in terror while running down the street as the car sped off.
Needless to say, we hopped into a cab deeming it the safest method of travel. Once we arrived at the shopping district, the streets were flooded with people and we felt much more at ease. We had a fun time popping in and out of stores, finally grabbing a bite to eat of Turkish cuisine. I had this amazing Bulgur and Red Lentil Köfte that I’ve been meaning to make at home for ages now! Maybe I will have to recreate it soon. :)
The unique artistry, vivid contrast of old and new, and historic architecture made this one of our favourite cities to visit and photograph.
Previous honeymoon posts: 1) Venice, 2) Athens, and 3) Kusadasi
wowwww I love the photos!! I never would have thought of Istanbul being “artsy”! Love that description.
The pictures look GORGEOUS!!
One of my best friends played pro ball in Turkey, and had some amazing stories. I’ve always wanted to go:-)
Hi Angela, Love your blog always interested to see what you will write about next :) I put a link to a good Mercimek Kofte recipe below. You should try Kisir as well I think you’ll really love it. Turks have so many really delicious vegetarian recipes – I especially love olive oil beans and dolmas mmmm making me hungry now! Afiyet Olsun!
http://almostturkish.blogspot.com/2009/10/red-lentil-kofte-mercimek-koftesi.html
Thanks so much!
How fun! Two of my labmates are from Istanbul but I didn’t realize how gorgeous the city is. Going on my to-travel list!
These pictures are great! As silly as it sounds – I am still afraid of my dslr canon even though I got it over a year ago! I am heading to Europe on Sunday for two weeks – any tips for traveling with a camera? Anything would be appreciated!
@Melissa, also Borek (the phyllo pastry layered appetizer with spinach/feta and potato/feta) is a really good vegetarian turkish food. I should write the recipe with the proper north american ingredients sometime lol. afiyet olsun!
I absolutely love Turkey, your photos are amazing! I have been 7 times in total, twice this year. I have stayed in Kusadasi, Olu Deniz, but my favourite area is Fethiye. It does help that I live in the UK and it is only a 4 hour flight!
Your blog is amazing as is all of your photographs and recipies!
It is really nice to see the city that I live is here at your blog. As I can see it seems that you liked Istanbul. It makes me proud. Thanks for your positive post and comments. I definitely recommend Turkey as a a destination. Istanbul, Cappadocia, Ephesus, Pamukkale, Bodrum, Konya (city of dervishes), Urfa, Gaziantep are some cities I can mention. Anatolia (name given for Asia Minor) is culturally the richest part of the world. Worth to see :)
dear angela,
greetings from a beautifully snowy edmonton day. i was perusing your site for some millet recipes, and somehow i stumbled upon this entry. i am originally from istanbul and it made me smile to think that you have been there and that you are–i assume–pretty acquainted with the turkish cuisine. so i thought i’d let you know that i am totally combining your kind of recipes with my olive-oily mediterranean kind. :) and the outcome is always deliciousness. so sending you my regards and thanks.
cheers and warmth,
yas.
p.s. this past summer i made the carrot, apple, ginger soup for my parents while i was visiting them at the aegean coast. must say: total win. they loved it.
So nice to hear from you! Thanks so much for your lovely comment. :)