Istanbul, TR (IST)

Dedicado a mi estimado amigo, Christian García . ¡Tu tendrá siempre un lugar en mi corazón!

Merhaba Istanbul! [Hello Istanbul!]

Arriving at Ataturk airport outside of Istanbul, the only change from other European airports was the collection of a $20US Visa fee which allows entry to Turkey for up to 90 days. Everything changes once you depart the airport! Minarets, mosques and music -- beautiful music. We arrived during the holy period of Ramadan, so fasting was mandatory during daylight hours for Muslims. An exception is granted to Western tourists.

Istanbul is booming. Istanbul is hot. Istanbul is ready to explode. We got this vibe from many people there. Also, we met young artists who are hungry for work, full of ideas but with limited access to technical resources. Istanbul is simply a unique place full of culture, full of life, full of growth, full of sound, full of conflict, full of music! 

A Place to Stay in Beyoglu

Our flat centrally located just off Istiklal Street

A bargain at 400 Euros per week, all inclusive! http://vacationsfrbo.com

A nice hotel option...

Misafir Suites, in downtown Beyoglu, is a restored Ottoman apartment block comprised of seven king-sized suites decorated with Turkish fabrics and modern Scandinavian furniture (Joost the owner is Dutch). The hotel is also home to 8 Istanbul, a lively resto-bar that draws locals and tourists alike. Affordable luxury in the heart of modern Beyoglu, Istanbul's answer to Soho.

Misafir Suites

Gazeteci Erol Dernek Sokak 1

Beyoglu, Istanbul 34410

http://www.misafirsuites.com/

F  O  O  D

Kebap is served everywhere in Turkey and the choices vary but we found a few standouts:

Hamdi

Kalçin Sokak, 17
Eminonu, Istanbul

http://www.hamdi.com.tr/

Located on the banks of the Bosphorus by Eminonu Square, Hamdi serves a dual purpose: great Kebap and breathtaking views of the Bosphorus River and old Istanbul. It's located near the Egyptian Spice Bazaar which should not be missed.

Christian @ Hamdi

Istanbul Modern Cafe

Meclis-i Mebusan Caddesi 

Karaköy, Istanbul

http://www.istanbulmodern.org/ 

Exquisite waterfront views and industrial-chic decor make the Istanbul Modern Cafe the star attraction at this museum in Karaköy. A sleek, rectangular bar dominates the dining room, which looks out onto the busy traffic of Istanbul's harbor. Traditional Turkish fare presented as works of art with museum-quality style!

Favorite Spot for Breakfast

With our apartment located just one block from Istiklal Street in Beyoglu, it was easy to step out in the morning for Turkish coffee and sustenance for the day ahead. A leisurely spot which became a favorite was ADA Cafe & Bistro, a modern cafe which doubles as a book and music shop. The house wine by the glass is Antik, an excellent quaffing drop, and the Turkish coffee is superb.

Isitklal Caddesi 330

Beyoglu, Istanbul

Historical Sites
From Byzantium to Constantinople and finally Istanbul, the city is rich with history. First founded in 600 BC, it was incorporated into the Roman Empire in 23 AD, and then founded by the emperor Constantine in 324 at which time it become Constantinople. The city was conquered in 1453 by Sultan Mehmet II, ruler of the Ottoman empire, and was the capital of Turkey until 1923. The name change to Istanbul occured in 1930. Below are a few of the sites which are of great historical importance.

Hagia Sophia

In 1453, the Sultan Mehmet II ordered Hagia Sophia to be turned into a mosque.Located in Sultanahmet Square, the stunning architectural details of this structure are not to be missed!

Exterior of Hagia Sophia

Interior detail:

Place of absolution/cleansing before entering Hagia Sophia

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque sits directly across from Hagia Sophia on the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square). With six towering minarets, it dominates the Istanbul skyline. Being an active mosque, it is not available to visitors at all times. The doors open at 9AM but close five times throughout the day for prayers.

Interior of the Blue Mosque

Basilica Cistern

The Basilica Cistern lies beneath Sultanahmet Square near the Hagia Sophia and the Blue Mosque. It served as a water reservoir for the Palace of Constantinople and Topkapi Palace during the Ottoman Empire. The water came from high up in the mountains of Romania.

CG at the Cistern

Call to prayer at the Hippodrome (Sultanahmet Square)

Topkapi Palace
Topkapi was the official and primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for 400 years of their 624-year reign from 1465 to 1856. Although the group of buildings themselves are very impressive, my favorite place here was the view of the Sea of Marmara from the balcony.

A sultan's coat made of gold




Bosphorus River Cruise
When our boat left the dock at Eminonu, we were provided with stunning views of the city and all of its monuments. Along the river, left and right, grand villas and marble palaces added a modern twist to the stone fortress and small fishing villages nearby. We passed under the famous bridge linking Europe and Asia, two very different parts of Istanbul. The Bosphorus in pictures:

Ciragan Palace

Bridge from Europe to Asia

Culture/Music

The Istanbul Modern

The museum, located in a converted warehouse in the Karakoy district of Istanbul is the first of its kind in Turkey. Changing exhibitions are located on the lower floor, while the permanent collections, museum shop and cafe are located on the top floor. Refreshingly hip and a relatively new addition to Istanbul!

http://www.istanbulmodern.org/

360 Istanbul

Mısır Buğdayı Sokak, 32

Beyoglu, Istanbul

http://www.360istanbul.com/intro.html
 
One of the hottest spots in all of Istanbul! The Turks go here to party and be seen. The Westerners go to experience modern Istanbul. Perched high atop an apartment building in Beyoglu with 360-degree views of the city, you haven't seen Istanbul until you've been to 360.
 

Ghetto

Kalyoncu Kulluk Caddesi, 10

Beyoglu, Istanbul 

http://www.ghettoist.net/ghetto.php?lang=en

A former bakery set in a split-level churchlike space decorated with frescoes by local art students. Ghetto Istanbul is a self-proclaimed music lounge catering to an affluent crowd of enthusiasts from their 20s into middle age. Super hot!!!

Up next on R O A M:

Sydney, AUSTRALIA [28 May, 2010]