Istanbul in Photos

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I have so much to write about when it comes to Istanbul, Turkey. It's definitely one of the most dynamic and interesting big cities I think I've ever visited, and I packed as much as possible into my 2 days there.

But the tales of markets, mosques, and carpet salesmen will have to wait. Today, I just want to share my Istanbul experience with you via a collection of photos.

Here, then, is Istanbul through my eyes (or, I suppose my camera lens):

Istanbul in photos

Outside the Blue Mosque (Sultanahmet Mosque) in the morning:

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The ornate tiled dome of the Blue Mosque — easily the most popular place to visit in Istanbul:

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

The courtyard of the Suleymaniye Mosque, built by the famous architect Mimar Sinan in 1557. This mosque is the second-largest in Istanbul:

Istanbul

The carpeting inside the Suleymaniye Mosque – I love the bright orange!

Istanbul

Looking out over Istanbul from behind theย Suleymaniye Mosque:

Istanbul, Turkey

Some of the amazing blue-and-white Iznik tiles inside the Rustem Pasha Mosque, in Istanbul's Eminonu district. THIS mosque should be called the “blue mosque” if you ask me:

Istanbul

A pretty residential street in Istanbul:

Istanbul

A water view of the Bosporus:

Bosphorus, Istanbul

In the Spice Bazaar (AKA Egyptian Bazaar):

Spice Bazaar, Istanbul

In the square outside Hagia Sofia:

Istanbul

Inside the awe-inspiring Hagia Sophia. This basilica-turned-mosque-turned-museum nearly brought me to tears:

Hagia Sofia, Istanbul

RELATED: In Photos: Inside Hagia Sophia

I don't think I could ever tire of Hagia Sophia:

Hagia Sofia, Istanbul

Men fishing off the Galata Bridge:

Bosphorus, Istanbul

Inside the maze-like Grand Bazaar, one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets:

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

Glass lanterns hanging in the Grand Bazaar:

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

A view out over Istanbul — check out all the satellite dishes:

Istanbul

With no minarets in the background, you probably would never guess this tranquil scene came from Turkey, am I right:

Istanbul

Istanbul's underground Basilica Cistern:

Basilica Cistern

Cruising the Bosporus during the “golden hour”:

Bosphorus, Istanbul

Rumeli Hisari, a fortress on a hill on the European side of the city:

Rumeli Hisari, Istanbul

Cruising on the Bosporus at dusk:

Bosphorus, Istanbul

If you've never been to Istanbul, I highly recommend adding it to your list. It's unlike anywhere else I've visited in the world — in a good way.

If you're interested in seeing some of these spots for yourself in Istanbul, I managed to see them on a tour of “Hidden Istanbul,” combined with a ride on a hop-on, hop-off bus, and a Bosporus cruise.

Which Istanbul photo is your favorite?

 

"It's a dangerous business, going out your door. You step onto the road, and, if you don't keep your feet, there's no telling where you might get swept off to." - JRR Tolkien

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42 Comments on “Istanbul in Photos

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  1. I too have visited these sights in Turkey. I was a surprisingly beautiful city. I will never forget this trip. I have a beautiful carpet hanging in my home to remember it all!

    Great pictures! Istanbul has been on my bucket list for a long time, now I know where to start from.
    Thanks for the guide.

      Beautiful! Im looking forward to my escorted tours, for 13 days May 2019!

    Thank you for sharing the amazing photos from Istanbul.
    Istanbul is surrounded with the Bosphorus Sea, which is cutting right through it.
    In its thousands of years of history, Istanbul has been the capital of three great empires – Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman!

    Your pictures are gorgeous and you have a great eye for details. I can’t wait for our trip in Decembrrr! I wanted to ask you about your exact location for your “Looking out over Istanbul” (5th photo from top) shot… care to share? It’s a great vantage point! Appreciate it!

      Thanks, Michelle! And yes, I do remember where that photo was taken. If you visit the Suleymaniye Mosque, that viewpoint can be found behind the mosque in a kind of courtyard-type area.

        That’s awesome – thanks for sharing!

    Absolutely beautiful photo essay, it gets my traveling juices flowing. What a wonderful place!

      Thank you! Istanbul definitely is a fantastic destination.

    Beautiful photos of my new home! Well done ๐Ÿ™‚ [Apart from the horrendous traffic] I don’t think I will ever stop falling more and more in love with Istanbul.

      It’s such a gorgeous city – and so interesting, too!

    Wow all these photos are just amazing ๐Ÿ™‚

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