Where Europe Meets Asia

Istanbul, a city that lies on two continents, is divided into three parts. Bosphorus forms the boundary between Europe and Asia. The 32km Strait used to separate Turkey from Thrace. In the European part, the Golden Horn separates the area between Beyoglu and Sultanahmet.

As the bridge between Europe and Asia, it has been a battleground over the centuries. A series of important sites showcased its history.

Hagia Sophia was built in 537 A.D., serving as a Christian church for thousands of years, until the invasion of the Ottoman Empire and turned it into a mosque. Added 4 Islamic minarets and covered the Christian murals. It is an indication of the ever-lasting ideological warfare.

But Atatürk, the founder of the Republic of Turkey, transformed it into a secular museum in 1935, as a symbol of Christian and Muslim community unity. It was not until the current President Erdoğan, who reverted the museum to a mosque and opened for public worship.

The Sultan Ahmed Mosque stands on the direct opposite side of Hagia Sophia. It was built in 1616 under the regime of Ahmed. Due to the 20,000 interior blue tiles, it is also known as the Blue mosque. The exquisite domes and six minarets makes it aesthetic.

Visitors must wear long pants or skirts, while women must cover their heads. Though the dress code is strict, the religious leader Imam was so generous. He shared the knowledge of Islam and even gave us a Quran as a blessing. The movie "Taken 2" was also filmed here.

It closes 1 hour before Salat, aka the obligatory prayers 5 times a day. Muslim perform a set of movements after the ritual washing. Since It was Ramadan in May, Muslim have to practise fasting before sunset. The mystical prayer just symbolizes another unique landmark.

Topkapi Palace is an emblem of its history, serving as an administrative headquarter and the main residence for more than 20 Ottoman sultans. Until Sultan Abdülmecid I relocated the administrative center to the shores of the Bosphorus in the late Ottoman Empire.

This is how history and religion are rooted in architecture. For those who are not a fan of history, here is the cultural aspect to explore.

To reach the skyline, nothing is better than this cone-capped cylinder architecture. The 66m high Galata Tower served as a watchtower. It was built in the expansion of the Genoese colony in Constantinople. Today, it provides a panoramic vista of the Istanbul peninsula.

Looking for an underground adventure? Built in the 6th century, the Basilica Cistern was the largest surviving Byzantine cistern in Istanbul. It offers 100k tons of water to the ancient city. Besides the 300+ marble columns, the snake-headed Medusa used to preserve buildings.

Constructed in 1550, the Grand Bazaar is one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Located in the Old Town Fatih, it contains over 60 streets and over 4000 shops. The original core of Iç bedesten was completed in 1461 by Mehmed the Conqueror.

One comes across a wide range of souvenirs in this indoor arcade. From ceramics, Turkish mosaic lamps, Kilim rugs, to Henna tattoos. One may take away aromatic joys, including spices, scents, and the Turkish coffee. Rich taste and highly caffeinated, with fortune telling (kahve falı).

Remember when Edmund Pevensie betrayed his family to the White Witch for just a box of Turkish delight, in ‘the Chronicles of Narnia?’ The appeal of Turkish delight does not need explanation. Start the day and after-dinner chatting with it and tea remains a tradition.

Eating the Turkish ice cream in the Pierre Loti reminds me of a local movie “Delibal”. Love is like honey, but the poisoned one might hurt your beloved one. Baris suicide himself to avoid hurting Füsun due to his bipolar disorder, as an ultimate way of love and sacrifice.

Indeed, the people are the most beautiful scenery in Turkey. The Airbnb Host sent us a goodbye gift; the cafeteria manager shared his political view; the locals asked for photo-taking. If everyone will be world-famous for 15 minutes, it is gonna happen in Turkey for us.