Trip to Istanbul

Hi Steemians!

As I promised in the last article, now I am sending some pics from one of my trips to the huge city of Istanbul.
I had visited it many times, as my home city in Bulgaria is located not far from the Turkish border, and it never ceases to impress me. Istanbul is unique, grandeur, diverse and vibrant.
City with thousands of years of ancient history, interesting people from all corners of Turkey and the rest of the world, amazing new and old architecture, different languages, many historical sites, markets, restaurants and bars offering the delights of the Turkish cuisine.
Founded by the Ancient Greeks and historically known as Constantinople, strategically located at Bosphurus, with its multicultural history and the fusion of Middle Eastern heritage with Western qualities the city has become a kind of melting pot. Now with more than 14 million residents it is one of the most densely populated cities in the world.

Let's meet in the city where the continents meet!

Yes, it is like that. The European part of the city and the Asian part. The city located on both sides of Bosphorus, is one of the few cities having stretched on two continents.
I will post pictures just from the European side, as that is the old part with the biggest historical significance.

Sultan Ahmet Camii or popularly known as the Blue Mosque was built in the beginning of 17th century, and it has five main domes and six minarets.
It is noteworthy to mention that Pope Benedict XVI visited the Sultan Ahmed Mosque on 30 November 2006. This is the second only papal visit to a Muslim place of worship in the whole history!

The old part of Istanbul is kind of labyrinths with all its narrow cobblestone streets, where you can do shopping, try Turkish food from the street vendors or in the restaurants, and choose from the different options for accommodation. Hostels, budget hotels for backpackers and 4 and 5 star ones.

Many of these streets will lead you to Kapali Tcharshi or Grand Bazaar, which is actually one of the biggest and oldest shopping malls in the world with a huge economical importance for the trade between West and the East from historical times.

OMG, such a huge choice of Turkish delights. In Bulgaria we do have similar "lokum" but to be honest here is more tasteful.

Just a short walk from the Grand Bazaar and you are at Golden Horn next to Bosphorus.
From here you can take great shots at Galata and at the background you see Galata Tower, which is the landmark of this part of the city.

It is a starting point for many boat trips to the Asian part or the small islands nearby the city.

Galata bridge looks like the favorite fishing spot in the city. Have been here in winter and summer times and it is always from dusk till dawn crowded with fishermen.

Across the bridge on the other side of Golden Horn bay is Taksim area with the busiest pedestrian shopping street in Istanbul.

I do recommend you to get a short 15 min ride on the heritage red trams, that run from the top of Taksim all the way down to the Bosphorus.

And at the end of my journey here are few more pics of the delicious Turkish cuisine, that you can buy at a very reasonable price in Taksim area.
Turkish delights ( Lokum ):

Turkish meat dishes: kebap, kawarma, sarma!

Thanks for checking my pics!
Steemians, have a great weekend!