Readme before you journey
Istanbul Part 3
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We are now in Istanbul for the third episode. This city has so much to offer, so much to explore. How many days would be enough? I'm already starting to fall in love with the people here... Why? Because they're handsome, of course! 5555 Handsome, sharp, dark, and fair-skinned. They all look so good, no matter where you look. Today, we're going to move our accommodation to the Taksim Square area (Istanbul's new European zone) because tomorrow morning we have to catch an early flight to another city.
Chora Church Museum: A Journey Through Byzantine Art
The Chora Church Museum, accessible with the Istanbul Museum Pass, houses a remarkable collection of Byzantine mosaics and frescoes. Renowned for their exceptional preservation, these artworks offer a glimpse into the vibrant artistic traditions of the era. Despite the museum's slightly remote location, its treasures are well worth the journey.
Taking the metro, we embarked on our exploration of this artistic haven.
Upon arriving at the final train station, we were greeted by two station officials at the exit. They were incredibly friendly, waving and greeting us loudly from afar. We chatted for a while before excusing ourselves to view the various colored images.
Along the way, you will encounter brightly colored houses like this... They are quite lovely.
Upon reaching the renowned colorful murals, we were truly awestruck by their beauty. The images remained remarkably well-preserved, with many sections appearing pristine.
The houses in that area are beautiful.
After watching the show, it was time to move on to the next location. We had to go back to the same station where we met the two people earlier. They continued to chat with us, as if they were lonely. In the end, they invited us to take a selfie with them. They were so friendly and lovely.
Here are the two officers who invited us for a selfie before we left. 5555
The Next Stop: Dolmabahçe Palace
Our next stop was the stunning waterfront palace, Dolmabahçe Palace. Admission is 60 TL per person. The palace is closed on Mondays and Thursdays and is open only from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It is divided into two zones: the main palace and the harem. You cannot visit on your own; you must join a guided tour and wait in line again inside. Tours are offered at specific times, so it's best to arrive early in the morning to avoid the long queues that form in the afternoon. We almost didn't make it in!
Take a photo at Besiktas Stadium, located opposite Dolmabahce Palace.
There is a red car selling Turkish bread in front of Dolmabahçe Palace, so I had some.
After trying it today... I'm buying it every day (personally love it 5555)
Dolmabahçe Palace entrance at the ticket booth.
The clock tower in front.
This palace, decorated in a Western style, served as the residence of the sultans during the later years of the Ottoman Empire. Upon its completion, the Topkapi Palace, adorned with Islamic influences, gradually lost its significance. The Dolmabahçe Palace boasts an opulent and magnificent interior, albeit less extravagant than the Palace of Versailles in France. The palace's rooms are remarkably spacious, though photography is prohibited within the building.
Outer riverside gate
The body of the palace.
After visiting the Dolmabahçe Palace, we headed to the highlight of the day, the Galata Tower. This historic tower once served as a fire lookout during the Ottoman era, but today it's a popular tourist destination. The area surrounding the Galata Tower boasts numerous restaurants and cafes, making it a perfect spot to relax and soak up the atmosphere.
The entire walk to Galata Tower is uphill like this, I'm exhausted!
The roadside is lined with art and artistic installations throughout the entire route.
Popular angle
Enjoy a cup of coffee, relax and take in the view.
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Sipping my drink while gazing at the Galata Tower.
Let's go to a famous dessert shop. The area around Galata Tower is quite hilly, so we had to climb up and down several times. It was quite tiring. The shop is called Karakoy Gulluoglu and is open from 7:00 AM to 12:00 AM. It's located near Karakoy.
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After finishing, we can take a relaxing stroll by the riverbank. It serves as a place of leisure and recreation, offering activities such as swimming, fishing, or simply enjoying the scenery alone or in groups.
After finishing fishing, the uncle shared the catch with the nearby cats. They devoured it fresh, biting so hard that the fish bounced.
Continuing our walk, we arrived at a bustling area with millions of people, known as Istiklal Caddesi. This street is a hub for various shops and shopping destinations. The sheer number of people was overwhelming, and there were numerous street performers entertaining the crowds.
Turkish ice cream is notoriously known for its annoying vendors.
By the time you get to eat it, you've lost your appetite.
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As you walk, be careful of the red cars that pass through the middle. They are old cars.
People will jump on them to take pictures.
From here, we will continue walking until we reach our accommodation for today. Taksim Square is located at the end of this street.
Taksim Square
The third episode has concluded. The next episode will be the highlight of the trip.
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Aood Around
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 8:21 PM
