“If the Earth were a single state, Istanbul would be its capital.”
Napoleon Bonaparte
Istanbul’u seviyorum – I love Istanbul
Ekmek, the Turkish bread has lots of takers. This is at the Haiga Sophia, Blue Mosque and Topkapi grounds of Fatih, Istanbul. While the tourists bustle around exploring these enchanting monuments and their relics; a lone, well fed doggo has his priorities right. “Let sleeping dogs lie.” 🙂
The Blue Mosque amidst a backdrop of an azure, clear sky. Tourists brace themselves to explore the rich historical heritage of the European side of Istanbul.
“Either I conquer Istanbul or Istanbul conquers me.”
Fatih Sultan Mehmet
The Topkapi palace grounds. Believed to be the largest and oldest surviving palaces in the world. A place of incredible historical relevance; of wars, of opulence and the fall and rise of an empire. Built in 1465 Topkapi has housed countless Sultans, helpers, concubines, and royal family members. The palace was home to Ottoman sultans for over 400 years. The orb of angelic yellow shines on; a witness of the time when history was being made, relinquished and still continues to be shaped.
A view of the stunning Bosphorus from the Topkapi palace.
Do you see the angel over the blue Marmara sea, in the stunning, azure sky?
In the alleys of Sultanahmet – European side of Istanbul; stood this lovely dessert café that served one the best Baklavas and Borek (a pastry made of flaky dough) and yes, Turkish coffee too. Post dinner, the DH and I had this ritual of entwining our fingers and strolling across these alleys. We would wind-up our walks with a “night cap” of lip-smacking pistachio Baklavas, Borek and a shot of Turkish coffee for DH. The coffee would be lovingly served in a tiny, hand-painted porcelain cup and saucer, along with a tiny cup of warm water, to ease the strong flavours of chicory.
This ancient Maple tree might have been as old as the Ottoman and Byzantine empire. It would have witnessed many an eras pass by and withstood the test of time. I fell in love with its all enveloping, cheery character. Its curved, ageing yet resilient and young canopy was blessing the passers by and tourists with its graceful hues.
“Istanbul is a magical seal which unites Europe and Asia since the ancient times. Without a doubt, Istanbul is certainly the most beautiful place of the world.”
I’ve never been there, so it is an absolutely pleasure this post, with all your
images. And that pyramidal entrance inside the Maple tree is amazing.
Lovely trip. Thank you a lot that you showed us the atmosphere of this special
place. I think you’ve enjoyed every minute of being there.
All the best, dear Natasha!
Love, light and joy!
I’ve seen much of the world, but the one place that I really wished I could have lived was always Jaipur.
The first week in years that I’ve not WW’d – apart from when I’ve been on holiday! I’ll be back next week, I give you my word(less!)! Keith’s Ramblings recently posted…My half-dozen…
Wow, it’s right next door (4/5 hours) from where I live.
Yes I find Jaipur culturally very rich, green in many parts. Such beautiful artefacts, potteries and clothing. The former two similar to Istanbul and I love the culture and family dynamics in Turkey.
Much like what we have in India.
Nice to see you here again, dear Natasha! <3
I understand that you had a very nice trip! Thank you for these wonderful pictures and information.
I like the song very much!
I wish you days full of light! <3 I hug you with love! <3
I’m glad you could through my eyes. So good to see you here.
I had intended to travel to Istanbul/Turkey 5 years ago, among other places – featured in my first book Travel Epiphanies. So dreams do turn into reality. 🙂
I’ll try to share more posts in the coming days, so you can see more of this beautiful country. And who knows you might just visit. 🙂
32 thoughts on “Istanbul’u seviyorum – I love Istanbul | Wordless Wednesday”
Everything looks amazing❤️
Me again,
Congratulations on your blogging anniversary. You have made your mark in the photoblogging world.
Your words give wings to my dreams. Thanks Alan.
Thanks so much, Alan. Coming from you it means a lot. Merry new year and a blessed yule for you and yours.
That tree is amazing and I’d love to go to that cafe. I love baklava.
Mary recently posted…AI Cat Art : The Swordfighter, A Cat of the High Seas
I forgot all the love and hugs, Natasha. ♥
Sandee recently posted…Thankful Thursday
Awwww, Sandee. Tightest and sweetest ones. <3 <3 xox
Natasha recently posted…Istanbul’u seviyorum – I love Istanbul | Wordless Wednesday
So beautiful. I would love to visit and enjoy the views and the food.
Thank you for joining the Wordless Wednesday Blog Hop.
Have a fabulous day. ♥
Sandee recently posted…Thankful Thursday
I’ve never been there, so it is an absolutely pleasure this post, with all your
images. And that pyramidal entrance inside the Maple tree is amazing.
Lovely trip. Thank you a lot that you showed us the atmosphere of this special
place. I think you’ve enjoyed every minute of being there.
All the best, dear Natasha!
Love, light and joy!
Yes, totally so dear Suzana. 🙂
I love this Istanbul that you show us. Great photos.
So glad Alan, while I confused your Turkey mountains with Turkey. 🙂
I agree it looks beautiful there the nearest I will get to turkey is eating it heheh! 🙂
Have a scenictastic week Natasha
stevebethere recently posted…WW On A Tuesday – Bath
You are too funny!
Happy December
What a wonderful city Istanbul is. Suddenly I’m craving baklava and Turkish coffee!
I can imagine your cravings. I can go back again and again to this stunning country.
In all possibility I could live there. No #WW this week Keith?
I’ve seen much of the world, but the one place that I really wished I could have lived was always Jaipur.
The first week in years that I’ve not WW’d – apart from when I’ve been on holiday! I’ll be back next week, I give you my word(less!)!
Keith’s Ramblings recently posted…My half-dozen…
Wow, it’s right next door (4/5 hours) from where I live.
Yes I find Jaipur culturally very rich, green in many parts. Such beautiful artefacts, potteries and clothing. The former two similar to Istanbul and I love the culture and family dynamics in Turkey.
Much like what we have in India.
Ha! Ha! Look forward.
Nice to see you here again, dear Natasha! <3
I understand that you had a very nice trip! Thank you for these wonderful pictures and information.
I like the song very much!
I wish you days full of light! <3 I hug you with love! <3
Thanks my dear Di. <3 I have missed my friends in blogosphere dearly and feels good to be back just a few days before the blogiversary.
Sending you love and light and cosy days and night these wonderful winters. <3 <3
I loved it when I visited it 5 years ago. Awesome place and kind people.
You said it Sadje. It felt like some sort of homecoming for me. Loved visting the Taksim mosque and being part of the aazan.
The Aazan calls I can never forget, as they turned out to be a constant reminder thank grace for our breath and more. 🙂
Love.
That sure is a beautiful place, I’ll probably never get to visit there so thanks for showing us.
I’m glad you could through my eyes. So good to see you here.
I had intended to travel to Istanbul/Turkey 5 years ago, among other places – featured in my first book Travel Epiphanies. So dreams do turn into reality. 🙂
I’ll try to share more posts in the coming days, so you can see more of this beautiful country. And who knows you might just visit. 🙂
It’s wonderful to see Istanbul again, my favourite city on earth.
Pauline recently posted…When on the wrong track
That’s so heartening to hear, Pauline.
Mine too along with Bombay. 🙂
Thank you for swinging by.
So very beautiful. Very sweet. Thanks for sharing.
Patrick Weseman recently posted…Its Looking Like Christmas in Vegas
Thanks dear Patrick. 🙂 Good to see you here.
Wonderful photo selections and narrative about this enchanting city. Yes, I see the angel.
Dear Dear Ken,
Happy to see you here.
And just glad you are staying cheery, hale and hearty.
I saw the angel only when I uploaded this image, not when I clicked it.