Turkish Delight: Exploring Istanbul’s Two Continents
European Istanbul
The European side of Istanbul attracts the most tourists. This is where most of the famous landmarks are located: the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet), Hagia Sophia, and Topkapi Palace. At the Blue Mosque, you will see how Muslims worship. The floor is covered with soft prayer rugs, the walls and ceilings are made of beautifully painted tile, and arrows point you toward Mecca. You can see where the ablutions (ritual cleansings) are done for prayer, and stand at the small section that is set apart for women. The Blue Mosque is also famous for having six minarets, which is more than any other mosque outside of Mecca. Hagia Sophia really exemplifies East Meets West, being both a mosque and a Christian temple during its history. Now it’s a museum with beautiful Christian mosaics and Muslim artifacts. It also has the rich legacy of being the most prominent church in Christendom for 1,000 years, which makes it one of the most important sights in Istanbul, if not the world. At Topkapi Palace, see how the sultans and their harems used lived in the Middle Ages. It is a place of splendid excess where the ornate robes and jewels of the sultans are displayed, and you can enjoy views of the Bosphorus and the Asian side of Istanbul. All three of these landmarks are right next to each other and close to the Byzantine Hippodrome and the Turkish & Islamic Arts Museum. You can easily spend an entire day exploring just this area.
Istanbul’s skyline is punctuated by thousands of minarets, as it has 2,853 mosques. The Blue Mosque may be one of the most famous, but the largest mosque in Istanbul, the Suleymaniye Mosque, is an amazing sight on the Golden Horn that can be seen all over Istanbul. It is worth a further look.
Not to be outdone by Topkapi Palace, Dolmabahce Palace sits majestically on the Bosphorus. It contains 285 rooms, 43 large salons, and a faÃ?§ade that stretches nearly a quarter of a mile long. It was built in the 19th century and done in European-style, serving as the imperial family’s replacement for the medieval, Islamic-inspired Topkapi Palace.
Also on the European side are the famous Grand Bazaar and the Egyptian (Spice) Bazaar. These are tourist traps, although some of the locals do shop here. You can get the same items for much cheaper just outside of the Grand Bazaar, but go and visit, just to meet some interesting characters and to see the wares on display. In the Spice Bazaar, you will encounter many colors and smells and flavors. The spices, in small quantities, are pretty inexpensive. It is also a good place to buy Turkish delight, dried fruits, and apple tea. In both bazaars, the merchants are friendly, but can sometimes be aggressive. If you do decide to buy something, don’t settle for the price that the merchant gives you. Bargain with him or her. Almost all prices in Istanbul are negotiable.
Asian Istanbul
Although Istanbul’s European side has some of the most famous attractions, the Asian side boasts the highest point, from where you can see the most breathtaking views. On the banks of this side of the Bosphorus lies the magnificent Beylerbeyi Palace, a summer residence of the sultans that was designed after the baroque palaces of France and Italy. Here, you almost forget you’re in Turkey, particularly on the Asian side. You feel more like you’re in southern Italy or the French Mediterranean. The palace rivals some of the most beautiful in Europe. But for all the European inspiration, you can’t forget that you’re walking (with blue booties slipped over your shoes), on some of the finest Turkish rugs in the world, or that the palace bathroom has a hole in the floor for a toilet, things that are decidedly not European.
The Asian side has more of the locals going about their business, so it’s fun to just explore the shops, mosques, and local food markets. Housing on the Asian side is different. Homes have more of an Asian flair and some of them are very elegant. The Moda Pier is also a nice area to enjoy a seafood meal and watch the boats go by.
Other Things to See and Do
A Bosphorus cruise is a relaxing way to enjoy the views of the Golden Horn, the European side, and the Asian side. The commercial cruises last about two hours and take you up one side of the Bosphorus and down the other, allowing you close views of both sides of Istanbul. Many of the cruises stop at a small island that holds the Maiden’s Tower, which you can climb to see another vantage point of Istanbul. There are also half-day cruises.
No trip to Istanbul would be complete without a Turkish bath. Admittedly, it’s not for everyone, but it is an unforgettable part of the Turkish experience regardless. Turkish baths have been a part of the culture for centuries, and are still popular with the locals today, although you will probably see more tourists there. Just come with an open-mind about nudity and about being scrubbed, massaged and pummeled by strange hands. In the end, whether you liked it or not, you will likely feel relaxed and very clean. Just sit and enjoy a freshly squeezed orange juice while you bask in the afterglow of the bath.
While Istanbul’s European side offers exciting sights, food and night-life, its Asian side presents a quieter, more authentic view of life with the locals. Everywhere you go in Istanbul, you will see unparalleled beauty in its architecture and unforgettable friendliness in its people. With a history touched by both Europe and the Middle East, it is city that blends its Eastern and Western influences with grace. Contradictory, but harmonious, Istanbul’s two continents combine to make a captivating city that will linger in your mind long after you leave it.
