Istanbul Day #2 – Gustatory/Visual Delight

In which Karen discovers a new meaning to Turkish delight….

Another wonderful hotel breakfast to fuel the day’s walking tour and a brighter prospect for the weather – sunglasses actually needed. We headed out to the Grand Bazaar which was quiet to begin with and rapidly grew crowded. Seemingly acres of wares for sale, much local art and art from other regions of Turkey. Lovely designs, with much coming from Uzbekistan apparently where labour is cheaper and of course the ubiquitous copies of brand name purses etc.

Having sated the eyes and avoided (most of) the sellers, we proceeded on to Suleymaniye Mosque, by far the prettiest to date. Then a walk through another local bazaar and skirting the spice market we rode the metro then hopped a ferry to Asian Istanbul. We entered a modern part of the city then immediately into another local market with fresh fish, fruit, confectionary (amazing Turkish delight & chocolate with fantastic wrapping for special occasions… and marzipan shapes… and fabulous baklava and almond cookies …. and and….). Eventually we settled down to lunch at a restaurant (Ciya) which has apparently been on ‘Chef’s Table” on Netflix – the owner has been gathering recipes from remote Turkish villages which have been handed down orally through the generations that were illiterate. Much was vegetarian, and one of the best meals I’ve had for a long time with new plants, tastes (spicy Kurdish goat cheese), and combinations abounding.

Back to European Istanbul on another ferry then onto a funicular to the top of the hill wherein lies Taksim Square sporting a statue of independence (1923) and the start of the “trendy” area (Beyoglu). Taksim Square has been the scene of many demonstrations, some bloody, but they are quickly shut down now and armoured police vehicles and many uniforms of various sorts are a visible deterrent. Police are to be found stationed outside embassies, schools, and armoured vehicles also were stationed at Sultanahmet Square, site of the 2016 bombing. Instead of demonstrations, shoppers were out in force as were street musicians, and we were lucky enough to get a seat on the trolley down the pedestrian only street for a good view in comfort.

A steep descent down a hill brought us to a spontaneous concert from a group of retirees at the foot of the Commodore steps (built by a Jewish family to help their children ascend to school) and into the spice market which was a marvel of colour and smells, and both local and tourist commerce. A taxi home got us back to the hotel just as the rain began and I bid adieu to my lovely guide Safiye. Although the rain didn’t get heavy, it was very windy most of the day and I did a Mary Poppins imitation on the waterside walk after tea, chasing my umbrella down the path when the wind whisked it out of my hand attempting to close it. I had a fair jog to catch up with it before it was eventually captured by a passing English tourist. Always glad to provide entertainment to those around! The lovely thing about traveling is that you will never see these people again, so no matter what kind of an idiot you make of yourself! Very freeing.

And thus ends my taste of Istanbul, literally and metaphorically – alas too short so a return visit to Turkey will definitely be on the books!

Memories of the day – Turkish Delight! Spices! Handicrafts! Galore. Crowds of people trying to get through small corridors, intermittently blocked by vendors. Friendly people with a sense of humor.