With its grand architecture, urban streets, and the large Bosphorus river right at its center, there’s never a dull moment in the wondrous city of Istanbul.
The city of minarets is home to some of the world’s most known landmarks, like the Hagia Sophia or the Blue Mosque. Hidden behind these colossal wonders are bits and pieces of a more profound history. It’s the little details that count, and these five tidbits will surely add to the enriching experience while exploring Istanbul!
Rainbow Streets
Photo Credits: Halah Butt
A street with no name, it might just so happen that you stumble upon this colorful alleyway accidentally. While it may seem like a ‘discovering Narnia’ moment, the street is possible to find if you look for it. Using landmarks to locate it, stand near the Spice Bazaar, the Galata tower behind you, and keep walking towards the Süleymaniye mosque. If on Kebapçıhanı Sokak street, you’ll see a flight of concrete stairs wedged between store buildings. You won’t miss them because each step is painted a different color of the rainbow! Make sure to look up just as much as you do down! Suspended in the space between red-brick buildings are an array of rainbow striped umbrella lights and lanterns.
The pinwheels of color not only brightens up the day but also provides the perfect backdrop for a selfie. Or, if you prefer being behind the camera, stand right underneath the brilliant canopy. Point your camera upwards for the perfect, artsy shot.
Photo Credit: Halah Butt
Lights & Toy Carts
Photo Credit: Halah Butt
As the sun sets, the best place to enjoy the cool evening breeze is sitting in an ice cream parlor patio next to the Blue Mosque. You may find yourself staring at the lights, basking the magnificent structure in warm orange light. The fountains in front of it also begin to light up, changing colors from shades of green to blue and pink. And you may notice, as the sky turns a brilliant midnight blue, carts being pushed around. These carts hold a brilliant burst of color; a variety of light up toys, flashing plastic batons, laser pointers, light up spinning tops and more.
While the plastic knickknacks may seem like kid toys, even adults get a kick out of buying the laser pointers. These lasers can be pointed towards the highest dome of the Blue Mosque, and still be seen, a red or green dot dancing across the ancient architecture. Wake up the curious child in you and wonder at the magnificent power of a tiny light darting around the night.
Gülhane Park
Photo Credit: Halah Butt
If you’re in Istanbul on a Tuesday or arrive at the Topkapi Palace after 6:00, you’ll find that the Topkapi Palace is closed. But there’s no reason to fret. Just south of the palace is an elegant arched entrance leading towards the Gülhane or “Rosehouse” Park. The great park, once a part of the Sultan’s gardens is free for the public to enjoy. A cobblestone pathway twists and turns through the vast open space. Butterflies flutter over gardens of colorful flowers and plants. Bright green parrots fly from one towering tree to the next, dating back to the 1800s. The evening sun shines through the canopy overhead, reaching down towards the grass. Around the park, people sit and chat on benches or lay lazily on picnic blankets. The sound of water fountains and birds singing, the calm atmosphere and bright colors surely capture a glimpse of paradise on earth.
Hidden Markets
The inside streets of Istanbul give view to a whole other world. Deep inside the alleyways, after a couple turns and detours, you’ll find yourself not just mildly lost, but enjoying every bit of it. While ‘alleyways’ gives the connotation of something dark and mysterious, Istanbul’s nooks and crannies are anything but! At some point or other, you’ll find yourself immersed within hidden markets and streets lined with stores that only locals know of. You might feel out of place, as few tourists leave the comforts of central tourist attractions. But welcoming sellers, encouraging you to buy their wooden handcrafted kitchen supplies, or delectable Turkish delights make you feel right at home. Much like in the Grand Bazaar, strong bargaining skills are a must, as the noses of local sellers can smell a foreigner a mile away.
Graffiti / Street Art
Photo Credit: Halah Butt
Whether you cruise along the Bosphorus river or walk up the steps to the Galata tower, you’re sure to see old walls made vibrant with animated street art. Istanbul is not short of art culture, and while Graffiti is a controversial subject, these street paintings only liven up the place, respecting the boundaries of new buildings or historic landmarks, and only leaving a mark on the forgotten. At first glance, you may think that there’s no difference from the graffiti anywhere else. But a closer look reveals words scribbled in Turkish, and images specific to Turkish culture. There is a mix of Western influence, however. But nonetheless, the street art is surely eye-catching, adding on to the liveliness of the city.