Turkophile
Alikatt
my Turkish friends, history and art teachers and books
27 Feb 2007
based on 2 votes
Under the Aegean/Mediterranean Sun
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Explore locations featured in this Traveler List:
Istanbul
- Category: Perfect week or more
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Istanbul is a city of contrasts: modern Turkey co-existing with structures that have stood for two millenia. Istanbul spans two continents joined by the strait of Bosphorus. Artifacts dug from its soil give evidence that it has been inhabited by people since 5500-3500 B.C. It was Byzantium (named after King Byzas) when the Greeks occupied it in 667 B.C. When the Romans conquered it in 327 A.D., its name was changed to Nova Roma then to.Constantinople after Constantine the Great declared it the ne capital of the Roman Empire in 330. On May 1453, it became the third capital of the Ottoman Empire when Mehmet II, the Conqueror entered Constantinople. In 1923, The Republic of Turkey was founded by Kemal Ataturk. Today it's a huge metropolis, a diverse and colorful city with about 14 Million inhabitants. |
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2. Ciragan Palace Kempinski Istanbul
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Ave price:
$621
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| I love being here best when sipping drinks at the open terrace that faces the Bosphorus on a summer day. |
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Ave price:
$210
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| I stayed here in 2005. Its rooms are spacious, modern with minimalist decor. The bed was comfortable although one lamp didn't have a bulb in it and there was no wi-fi connection. There is also a small kitchenette for those who would like to cook simple meals. I didn't make use of it. It's located near Pera Palas Hotel in Beyoglu toward Tunel. Breakfast is served in the lobby area which has a spacious modern space for dining and lounging.. I especially love Turkish breakfast so it was a treat for me to stay in a place where breakfast is included. The breakfast itself was good with fresh fruit, olives, cheese, bread, jam, tea served in contemporary white rectangular dishes. Eggs were cooked to order and came in good portions. The ambiance is cool, unobtrusive. There's an adjacent wine tasting room to the dining room. The owners run Suite Turkbuku in the Bodrum Peninsula, where my friends and l like to hang out when we're there in the summer. |
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5. Dolmabahce Palace (Dolmabahce Sarayi)
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| It's a former Ottoman Sultan's magnificent Palace on the Bosphorus shores. One of a few, actually. Its opulence and the Baccarat crystal staircase is a sight to behold. Read about it first via a Blue Guide book or hire a certified local expert guide to give you details asbout each room. |
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| Sitting on magnificent grounds in a breathtaking location right on the horn. The palace itself has been altered through the ages by the sultans who resided there. Hence, different periods of architecture are represented. I especially like the garden pavillion. Don't forget to visit the wing that has been turned into a museum. The harem is worth a visit too for an extra fee. The Iznik tiles are exquisite! |
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7. take a boat ride on the Bosphorus
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| You can either hire a boat privately, hop on one of the numerous public ferries or join a touristic cruise. It's a must to see both sides (Europe and Asia) of the city from either shore for wonderful vistas and a trip across time, figuratively. If you have a chance to get on the Reina powerboat, do so on your way to another hotspot for great summer evening of frolic and fun, Anjelique. |
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8. Grand Bazaar (Kapali Carsisi)
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9. Kapali Carsi (Grand Bazaar)
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| A collection of 3000 merchants under a very old 'market' building erected in the medieval times. It's such a delight to be there to find goods or to just walk around and engage your senses. My favorite shops are Timucin (jewelry), Koc (leather coats and warm winter wear), a silver shop where Alex Bey is and Abdulla for towels, natural soaps and Turkish bath items. I like to dine at the cafe next to Abdulla, Fes, |
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10. Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi)
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| Another delight to the senses! It's a must for those who appreciate culinary adventures. I buy my garam masala, saffron (safran in Turkish) and cocoa butter there plus many more spices and Turkish sweets before heading back home. They can vacuum seal the spices for you. |
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11. hip cafe for breakfast or any meal for that matter
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| The House Cafe is somewhat of a chain now with several hip locations: Nisantasi, Ortakoy, Tunel and in Asia. My favorite is Ortakoy which is almost by the Bosphorus on the corner of the beautiful square. I still like to have my breakfast in Nisantasi though when I stay in that area. The newest one to pop up is Tunel's. I had coffee there in August 2006. Pleasant decor, good snack food and pizza (at Ortakoy's location). |
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| It's an indoor/outdoor arena: several restaurant venues collectively under Reina's 'roof' but each has their own signature style, menu and name. Reina restaurant, Behihana, Dragon (Chinese food) and a couple more. Good ambiance, music and trendy clientele. |
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13. house music in this very cool rooftop location
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| Blanco is the top summer club in the Beyoglu area near Taksim in Isanbul. House music and cool DJs, people rule. Good local DJs and some international talents played on the decks last summer including Chuck Love. Open until 4 am in the summertime. It;s on Balu Sokak off Istiklal Caddesi I believe. I know how to get there but I don't know the exact spelling of the street name. I don't think Blanco reopened in 2007. It may have resurrected under another name, with new owners but it was one of "the places" in Istanbul in the summer of 2006. |
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| It;s not really a club but it's just Anjelique. I love the fantastic location of Anjelique right on the Bosphorus. Well dressed, hip crowd in their 20s and 30s.The other attraction for me is the music. It as almost pure house last summer with DJ Dogus on the decks. A single cocktail will set you back around $20. It's the place I like to be in the most on Friday nights or any weekend night when it's quieter. The food's decent but the portions are small. Guys, dress well and bring as many girls as you can in your party if you are not chummywith the door staff. Otherwise, they may say there's a private party going on and you may not gain entry guys. Girls, dress in your sassy summer threads and cool shoes. |
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Compliment Alikatt
