One of our most interesting days was when we crossed the Golden Horn, the natural harbour which separates the two parts of the European side of the city. We were heading for the Galata tower which was accessed up a very steep hill. We came across a big DIY market spreading up the hill, but the climb was so steep I forgot to take any photos!!
A lift sped us to the top of the tower and here are some views from the top.
We stopped for a quick lunch and I even had a tower shaped biscuit with my tea.
We continued to the top and came across the modern shopping street, so different from the streets and markets of Sultanahmet. In the old town is a very new and modern tram system.
This is used like an overground metro with gates on the stops. The trams are two double cars long and were always very full.
In the modern shopping area was this nostalgic tram which ran backwards and forwards. It was a great opportunity for boys and young men to hang from the back.
As with most things in Istanbul we saw lots and lots of musical instrument shops in a really small area, Also along the street was the Catholic church which seemed very dark after the mosques.
A recent statue of John Paul 2nd
Eating is an important pastime in Istanbul and there are plenty of fast food places as well as restaurants to choose from.. We saw these boats which were floating kitchens. The customers sat on the land. Whether it was the traffic or simply because it was so much smaller than the other two but the middle boat was rocking alarmingly all the time we were watching.
The man going in the door was delivering a stack of bread. It looked as though the dough had been piped into circles before being cooked and then piled up to look like a basket. It was for sale all over the place and was a popular snack.
I also saw this man making the local Turkish pizza which looked boat shaped and often had an egg cooked in the middle of it.
When we went across to the Asian side of Istanbul by ferry - a not very inspiring trip - Peter had this for lunch. Just a wrap but beautifully presented.
For the evenings we found a restaurant we particularly liked and went back each evening. Compared to the summer the city was quiet and many of the restaurants were struggling to fill their covers so we were hasstled as we walked down the road each with an enticing offer of a warm fire and an interesting menu. The one we chose was less pushy than many, had an interesting menu and was reasonably priced. On our first trip there we chose a meal cooked in a pot which is broken open at the table. A performance took place!
First the pot is headed over charcole
A little of the contents are poured out
After ensuring the top is sealed with foil the pot is inverted and the bottom knocked off - there is a special fault line around the pot.
The delicious meal was then served.
Yes I know it was probably cooked in another pot in the kitchen and only put in this one for serving but it made an interesting display and the food was delicious. Peter had a flamed mixed grill on our last evening but sadly the photo didn't come out. That tasted good too.
There are many mosques in Istanbul which are in constant use. However we only went in two, the Blue Mosque which is the biggest and the Rustem Pasha which is considered the most beautiful on account of its tiled walls as opposed to the painted walls of many others. See for yourselvs.
The Rustem Pasha Mosque
Though highly decorated there are few treasures in a Mosque and they seem very bright as they have so many lights. There were men constantly going in to pray. As long as we showed respect and stayed behind the barrier we could take photographs and talk quietly. In larger mosques the ladies have a gallery to pray on, but the older ones have a screen at the back so the upper layers can be preserved.
A Mosque should be open for prayer 24 hours a day 7 days a week. A door would be heavy and noisy and so a heavy leather curtain is hung over the doors to allow access leaving the drafts outside.
The Blue Mosque
The Blue Mosque at night
Below the streets of Istanbul the remains of an ancient cistern was found. On our last morning we took one last walk to visit it. The columns and plinths clearly came from many other buildings as they were quite a mixture of styles.
The bottom two pictures are of Medusa heads found at the bottom of 2 columns inone corner of the cistern.
And here is what I bought for myself. I have some presents for the family but I won't spoil the surprises for them.
It was good to get away from the cold and damp of Moscow. Istanbul is a lovely and interesting city and we had a good break.
