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Merhaba from Istanbul

Pooja Patel spends a day sightseeing in Istanbul and returns with a joyous experience despite the Chinese whispers after the coup attempt

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Decorated wooden bench for tourists with the rear view of the Blue Mosque in the background
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Thanks to the post-coup attempt unrest, Turkey has been in the news for the past few months. So when considering a short trip to Istanbul, I was naturally worried about the state of affairs. But I took a chance nonetheless. The six-hour Turkish Airlines flight was extremely comfortable, but with only 24 hours at my disposal, I had to make the most at speed on my maiden visit to Istanbul, which offers magnificent architectural jewels like Hagia Sophia, Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Turkish hamam, Galata Tower and of course, the popular bazaars.  

My first impression about the city was, (as cliche as it sounds)—‘where East meets West’. It’s a fusion of Ottoman architecture and European culture, Western food and Eastern spices, Asian hospitality and European luxury. The city has a charm of the old world, as apart from the ancient mosques, this seaside city’s fortification—the Walls of Constantinople—still stands tall. Driving around the traffic-jammed city (new world problems) and passing by these gigantic walls really left me in awe. While a major portion of these walls is still intact, some restoration is required. 

My first stop was the most ‘sought after’ L-shaped, Ottoman-era spice bazaar that looked like a kaleidoscope of spices, herbs, dried fruits, caviar, Turkish Delight among others. Shopkeepers are  extremely entertaining; they try to sell spices with their best Hindi. Next, the 16th century Sultanahmet Camii, more popularly known as the Blue Mosque, took my breath away with its myriad domes and six intricately carved minarets. Thousands of blue Iznik tiles adorn the interiors of the mosque, which looks brilliant when sunlight seeps in through over 250 stained-glass windows. The entire walk from the  entrance door through the massive courtyard and then into the mosque, is nothing short of dazzling. 


Tomato spice, Ottoman mix for chicken,  rice spice, omelette spice...the famed Spice Bazar throws up very interesting names. Image by Pooja Patel

 

Lovely turkish tea cups at the Spice Bazaar. Image by Pooja Patel

Right across from this monument is Hagia Sophia, and in the vicinity there's also the revered Topkapi Palace. These three major attractions make 34122 Fatih, Istanbul's most visited (read, by tourists) neighbourhood. I couldn't make time for the Ottoman-era Hagia Sophia mosque, but swung by the Topkapi Palace. Once home to the royal Sultans of the Ottoman empire, it is now a museum. Topkapi, which literally translates to ‘cannon ball gate’, has a lovely diwan area, harem and others with quite an envious collection of everything from clocks to armoury to Chinese celadon porcelain. 

Intricately designed diwan area at Topkapi palace. Image by Pooja Patel

The four courtyards of this palace are humongous and add to the overall architectural splendour; it's a long walk, but worth the experience. My final stop is at the Grand Bazaar—true to its name and reputation, it's a great place to buy souvenirs, Turkish crockery, silver jewellery and precious gems.     

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