A Turkish wedding in Istanbul

Hagia Sofia, the Grand Bazaar and how I crashed in a wedding in Istanbul

I think that Istanbul is my favourite city in the world, I went there twice and I had amazing experiences there, so I would like to write about them and celebrate this city in 3 posts.

The first time I went to Turkey was in 2021, my final destination was Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where I spent two months. I had to transit in Istanbul so I decided to stop there for 4 days.

When I am travelling alone I usually use Couchsurfing or Trustroots as a way to meet locals and maybe find accommodation at someone’s place. On that occasion, I happened to find an invitation to a wedding. On Trustroots I met Onur, who couldn’t host me in his place but rather he invited me to his sister’s wedding! At first, I thought he was joking, but soon I realised he was serious and then I thought: why not?!

He picked me up at the airport and we went directly to the wedding. I arrived there and I was not only a stranger, but a foreigner, a traveller, and on top of that I was wearing the wrong outfit: a T-shirt and shorts.

There I met his relatives, they were very welcoming and made me feel part of the community even if I just crashed into the wedding. I ate good food and danced a lot, and I had an amazing experience! One of the first things that Onur told me was: "You will learn Turkish dances!", I don't know if I learned them, but for sure I practice a lot, I'm confident there are tons of videos of me dancing at that wedding.

At the end of the wedding, Onur drove me to the hostel. On the way, he wanted to show me Çamlıca Hill, a panoramic viewpoint of the cityscape and the iconic landmarks of Istanbul.

Istanbul, the vibrant and transcontinental city that straddles both Europe and Asia, stands as a testament to the rich tapestry of history and culture. Formerly known as Byzantium and later Constantinople, Istanbul boasts a heritage that spans millennia.

The Bosporus Strait, a natural waterway that divides the city between two continents, not only serves as a physical boundary but also as a symbolic link between the East and the West. Istanbul is a melting pot of diverse influences, reflecting the intersections of various civilizations that have left their mark on its architecture, cuisine, and traditions.

Modern Istanbul, with its dynamic neighbourhoods, trendy cafes, and lively street life, seamlessly blends with its ancient roots, creating a city that captivates with its juxtaposition of old and new.

The day after I visited downtown with the help of Onur, together we went to Topkapi Palace and Hagia Sofia. 

Topkapi Palace, a magnificent architectural gem in the heart of Istanbul, was built in the 15th century by Sultan Mehmed II, Topkapi Palace served as the primary residence and administrative centre for Ottoman sultans for nearly 400 years. The palace complex is a splendid fusion of Islamic, Persian, and Ottoman architectural styles, featuring opulent courtyards, ornate chambers, and lush gardens.

One of the highlights of the palace is the breathtaking views of the Bosporus and the Golden Horn from the terraces, providing a picturesque backdrop to the historical significance contained within its walls. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Topkapi Palace stands as a living testament to the opulence and grandeur of the Ottoman era.

After the palace, we walked to Hagia Sofia, the symbol of Istanbul for over 1,500 years. Originally built as a cathedral in the 6th century, it later transformed into a mosque under Ottoman rule and eventually became a museum in the 20th century. With its majestic dome, stunning mosaics, and a unique blend of Christian and Islamic elements, Hagia Sophia remains a testament to the cultural and religious diversity that has shaped the city over the centuries. In 2020, it was once again converted into a mosque, adding another chapter to its storied legacy.

Probably because of COVID, it was not crowded and there was no queue at the entrance, so I was able to enter easily and admire the interior. It once featured a wealth of intricate mosaics, while many of them were lost or damaged over the centuries, some have been uncovered and restored. Notable mosaics include depictions of religious figures, emperors, and scenes from the life of Christ. In 1985, the Hagia Sophia was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

For dinner, we went to Karaköy, one of the most dynamic parts of Istanbul with a lot of bars and restaurants. Onur offered me a nice Turkish dinner in a good local restaurant, where I tried two different dishes.

Karaköy, nestled along the historic waterfront of the Golden Horn in Istanbul, is a district that seamlessly blends the charm of the old with the vibrancy of the new. Formerly known as Galata, Karaköy has undergone significant transformation over the years, evolving into a dynamic neighbourhood that attracts locals and tourists alike.

The area is characterized by its narrow streets, eclectic shops, trendy cafes, and galleries. Karaköy's maritime heritage is evident in its bustling port, where ferries dock and connect the European and Asian sides of Istanbul.

After dinner, I met with another friend, Neslihan, we walked around the area and had drinks together. Afterwards, we decided to look for a place where to see the final match of the football Euro Cup that Italy won, it was a nice night and I enjoyed the nightlife in Istanbul.

The day after, alone, I started my exploration at the Blue Mosque, officially known as the Sultan Ahmed Mosque, completed in 1616, it earned its colloquial name from the striking blue tiles that adorn its interior.

Notably, the Blue Mosque is renowned for its architectural harmony and innovation, incorporating elements from both Byzantine Christian and Islamic traditions. The mosque's strategic location near Hagia Sophia and the Hippodrome underscores its significance as a symbol of Ottoman grandeur and religious devotion. The mosque's courtyard is equally impressive, featuring a central ablution fountain surrounded by arched porticos.

At the moment, It was undergoing renovation works so, even if I entered, I wasn’t able to see the amazing mosaics and the central dome, but even just from outside it was impressive.

I couldn't wait to visit the Grand Bazaar, I love these kinds of places, you can learn a lot from the local culture by stopping by markets and bazaars, and usually, they are crowded and full of life.

The Grand Bazaar is one of the world's oldest and largest covered markets. Established in the 15th century, this bustling bazaar unfolds like a city within a city, with over 4,000 shops clustered in a maze of narrow streets and vibrant courtyards.

The market is a treasure trove of Turkish craftsmanship, offering an array of goods, from intricately woven carpets and dazzling jewellery to richly patterned textiles and traditional spices.

Walking through the Grand Bazaar I was immersed in a kaleidoscope of colours and a symphony of sounds, visiting this place made me happy with my heart full of love. I think that the Grand Bazaar is not merely a shopping destination; it's a cultural immersion into Istanbul's history and the art of trade.

Near the Grand Bazaar, there is the Süleymaniye Mosque, so after a Baklava break, I decided to go there. It was commissioned by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent and completed in 1557. I was lucky because I went there just before the afternoon prayer and it was possible to stay there and take some pictures. 

Perched atop the Third Hill of Istanbul, the Mosque offers panoramic views of the city and the Bosporus. Its expansive courtyard, adorned with elegant gardens and ablution fountains, leads to the mosque's main prayer hall characterized by a colossal dome and semi-domes. The interior is bathed in light filtering through intricate stained glass windows, and the walls are adorned with tiles and calligraphy.

When I entered the mosque one of the volunteers who was there to inform tourists about the history of the building and the Muslim culture approached me, I was interested in what he had to tell me and we started a friendly conversation. We spent the evening together talking about everything: religions, cultures and ourselves. He brought me to the community space where I met other volunteers and drank tea together. It was a beautiful exchange and we are still in touch now.

I stop here, next week I will write about the second part of the trip, with the Galata tower, the spice bazaar and Kadikoy.

See you soon,

Flavio