Turkish Delight - Part III

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Let me apologize in advance for this post being to pic heavy; I didn't want to leave anything out. I hope you enjoy

Grand Bazaar

 

Boat Ride on the Bosphorus

The Bosporus is a narrow straight that separates the European and Asian part of Istanbul. It is claimed that the Bosphorus is the source of Noah's flood and the legend of Noah's Ark. 

::Outfit::

top: Levis denim shirt

dress: Target (worn as a skirt)

bag: Betsy Johnson (seen here and here)

shoes: ASOS worn (here and here)

Accessories: Michael Kors watch, rings and earrings, Target belt and scarf

...the Asian side of Istanbul...

Istiklal Street

Taking a stroll along the city’s popular Istiklal Street is something that never gets old. This three-kilometer long, pedestrian-only avenue on the European side of the city, is one the most famous streets in Istanbul. It is the heart o shopping, entertainment, nightlife in the district of Beyoglu. There were an endless variety of both local and international stores, bookstores, cafes, restaurants, food stalls, chestnut vendors, bakeries, bars, clubs, tea houses and so much more lining both the street itself as well as the dozens of tiny lanes that branch off on both sides.

This was the local street dog, and this was our third time seeing him walking the streets. This time he was doing his roll over trick for food. From how fat he was, it looked like he is very well fed from all of his hard work entertaining on Istaklal Steet.

Hagia Sophia

Hagia Sophia  was built in 532 by the famous byzantine emperor Justinian I. It was used as a patriarchate in the first years of its founding. After the conquest of Istanbul by Fatih Sultan Mehmed, Hagia Sophia was converted into a mosque. It is now a museum. Hagia Sophia is accepted as one of the 8th wonders of the world.

Blue Mosque

The Blue Mosque, also called Sultanahmet Camii in Turkish, was built between 1609 and 1616 years, during the rule of Ahmed I.  The mosque is known as the Blue Mosque because of blue tiles surrounding the walls of the interior design. Just like many other mosques, it also holds the tomb of the founder, a madras, and a hospice. The Blue Mosque is still an active mosque, so it's closed to non worshippers for a half hour or so during the five daily prayers.

Turkish Rugs

We were showed examples of authentic handmade Turkish rugs and were able to compare them to the counterfeit cotton versions. It's hard to believe these rugs were all made by hand. The detail in the pattern of all the rugs was astonishing. My favorites were the red, ladybug dyed rugs. The colors were so rich and luxurious. For only $10,000 I could have brought one home...LMAO! Yeah, right!

We were served this Turkish apple tea while we were viewing the rugs. It was the best tea I have ever tasted in my life. I kick myself every time I think about not bringing any back.

Istinye Park Mall

This mall was amazing. It had every kind of store you could think of: Louis Vuitton, Fendi, Gucci, H&M, Zara, and everything in between.

Read about the rest of our trip here:

Part I - Dubai, UAE

Part II - Abu Dhabi

Part IV - Pera Palace Hotel Istanbul, Turkey

Thank you so much for reading!