Fatih is the historical old centre of Istanbul. This is where you will see the Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque), the Hagia Sofia, the Basilica Cistern aka the Sunken Palace, the Topkapi Palace and the markets – the Grand Bazaar and the Spice Bazaar.
These are random photos I took while going around in Fatih. The daily life in Istanbul...
The Blue Mosque (Sultan Ahmet Mosque).
Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya).
Tulips originally come from Turkey (then Ottoman Empire) and was brought to the Netherlands in the late 16th century, however it was the Netherlands that made the flower great and famous, and even became one of the symbols of the kingdom.
Hagia Sofia (Aya Sofya) from Sultan Ahmet Park.
On Divan Yulo Cadesi, the main street and tramway of Fatih.
No worries my dear friend, you can buy some relax tea, Turkish viagra tea, love tea and even cholesterol tea in Istanbul =)
Outdoor terraces are everywhere in the old historical centre especially near and around the Sultan Ahmet Park.
Simit is the Turkish pretzel-like bread, usually with sesame seeds. An all-day round-the-clock street snack in Istanbul
Local ladies in colourful hijab.
A touristy souvenir shop corridor near the Blue Mosque and Sultan Ahmet Park. They even sell here knock-downs of European label signature bags.
I happen to pass by this street near the Blue Mosque and upon a closer inspection I realised that this colourfully painted pretend houses are actually a Turkish restaurant.
This is the main tram line that plies Fatih and Beyoglu, the Kabatas - Bagcilar tram route. The owner of the boutique hotel loaned me a metro card, that was very nice of him. Helaas, I did not get a Turkish Bath (Hamam) though.
Oranges, grapefruit and pomegranates are the city's popular fruits. They are consumed as a drink, freshly squeezed, combined or as it is. I tried the pomegranate juice and it was very nice.
This is in the Eminonu area. The streets of Istanbul are always busy and full of people. I actually lost my way around the Grand Bazaar and just followed the flow of people through narrow alleys and streets eventually getting out here in Eminonu area.
The local traditional style and fashion, although there are many Turkish women who dress up very modern, just like the rest of us, and without a hijab as well.
Enjoying the balik ekmek (fish sandwich) on the Golden Horn's boulevard in Eminonu with the views to Galata, Beyoglu. There are many fish sandwiches sold nearby, at the stalls below the bridge and at the fish boats.
Many cruise ships stop in Istanbul to offload thousands of tourists everyday.
View from Eminonu: the Galata neighbourhood and Tower in Beyoglu. My hotel is located in Beyoglu near the famous shopping street - Istiklal Cadesi.
There were so many mosques in Istanbul, This is one of the less famous ones.
Fish restaurants under the Galata Bride that connects Fatih and Beyoglu.
This dog does not have a care in the world, sleeping in the middle of the pathway whilst hundreds of people line up to pay the entrance fee to the Topkapi Palace.
The crowds and the queues to the Topkapi Palace. Give yourself a minimum half an hour to do this.
There are lots of stray dogs and cats in Istanbul.
The beautiful 19th century wooden pastel-coloured houses on Sogukcesme Street. Looks like they were under renovation. They remind me of the houses in San Francisco.
Many Turkish restaurants feature ladies making bread as their window display. The ladies do make all the bread the restaurant offers. Indeed, an excellent way to promote the restaurant as well as the local cuisine.
Selfie stick for sale by a roadside vendor. I have no plans owning a selfie stick. I find them really awful. The ultimate narcissistic gadget and the pinnacle of mass tourism madness.
The Yeni Cami Mosque in Eminonu.
Travel Period: May 2015
Destination: Beyoglu (Istanbul – Marmara), Turkey
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Happy Travels! Enjoy Life =)
