With a population of over 13 million, Istanbul is actually one of the largest cities of the world, spanning both Europe and Asia.
There are over 3000 mosques in the city. The Sultan Ahmed Mosque is probably the most famous one, and one of the city's main attractions.
Built 1609 to 1616, it is commonly known as the "Blue Mosque" for its blue tiles on the walls inside.
Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the mosques, of course appropriately covered-up and only in limited "viewing areas".
We were here during the month of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, where people do not eat or drink (not even water) from dawn to sunset.
In the evenings, many families congregate in front of the Blue Mosque and lay out a large picnic - but await the calling to prayer at sunset before they start eating or drinking anything.
A typical Istanbul tradition - Welcome Ramadan!
And right next to it another major tourist attraction: Hagia Sophia.
Built in the year 360 (!), it was first a Christian church until 1453, then a mosque until 1931. And since then, it's a museum.
It's the most impressive of many cisterns build underneath the city of Istanbul in the 6th century to provide the city with a continuous water supply.
In the back of the Basilica Cistern are two columns supported by stones depicting the head of Medusa. One was placed upside down and the other one on its side. I think Max might be applying for a new job... :)
Football fans (the real football) will recognize the district's name: it's the home of one of Turkey's most famous clubs, Galatasaray S.K.
From the top, there's a great 360 degree view all over the city.
Other highlights: a visit to Topkapı Palace, the primary residence of the Ottoman Sultans for approximately 400 years (1465-1856) of their 624-year reign [Source: Wikipedia :-) ]
So we spent an afternoon at the Cağaloğlu Hamam, built in 1741 and supposedly one of the 1,000 places to see before you die.
This picture is actually from their web site, cameras weren't allowed inside for obvious reasons. Now, if you wonder what exactly happens in there: basically, you get undressed (separate areas for men and women - actually, the penalty for a men found in the women's section used to be death), get into this huge hot steamy dome, sweat a lot, and pour cold water onto yourself from time to time. And, most importantly: relax.
If you paid a little extra, one of their employees would find you after a while and give you the massage of your life. Hint: those Turks are very strong!
Beautiful sunset over Istanbul, seen from the Galata bridge...
Next must-see on our list: a visit to a Turkish bazaar...
... where they sell lots of spices, powerful tea ..... plates ...
... cashmere scarfs ...
... and of course famous Turkish Delights.
Last day in Istanbul: time for a cruise on the Bosphorus. The 30km long strait connects the Black Sea with the Mediterranean Sea (technically, the Sea of Marmara) which forms the boundary between Europe and Asia.
The amazing Bosphorus Bridge, built in 1973.
They have a marathon once a year which crosses it - supposedly the only marathon in the world which starts in one continent and ends on another.
And here we are, after a ferry ride of only 90 minutes: the Black Sea!Keep going and you will be in Russia soon.
Time for lunch: some really fresh fish...
Heading back...
And another highlight on our last evening: dinner with Berkay and his wife Evrim.
Berkay and Max lived in the same student dorm at UMass and haven't seen each other since 2001. Always awesome to catch up after such a long time, in particular at such a beautiful place: the Villa Bosphorus Çengelköy restaurant.
A final moment: light show on the Bosphorus bridges (sponsored by Philips).What a fantastic four days in Istanbul! Off to our next stops in the Middle East: Israel and Jordan. Stay tuned.
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