Journey One / Chapter 5

Istanbul and the Marmara Sea

Istanbul, one of both Europe's and Asia's most magnicifent cities, that can be labelled transcontinental, offers great view transistion between both worlds.

I set off exploring Istanbul, the largest city in Europe (maybe except Moscow) which sits on Bosphorus trait near the Marmara sea, divding Europe and Asia. After spending number of lovely days here I explore both sides of the city, taking countless rides with a ferry between various ports in the city in the process of doing so.

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Whether its great historical and cultural landmarks such as Hagia Sophia or Blue Mosque, grandiouse ancient byzantine city, number of parks and teahouses to take a rest, lively streets and bazaars, Istanbul has something to offer to everyone, and it surely did offer more than enough to me.

Istanbul old city.

View of Sultan Ahmed mosque and Hagia Sophia.

On the Marmara sea.

Woman playing gipsy music on a busy ferry through Marmara sea.

As seen from the ferry.

Marmara sea in the city of istanbul is constantly full of boats and ships of all sizes.

As seen from the ferry.

Old city of istanbul.

On the Marmara sea.

Leaving the ferry.

Istanbul.

Woman enjoying sunny day in Topkapi palace park.

Gulhane Park.

Park Gulhane sits just beyond great Topkapi Palace.

Sultan Ahmet.

The Blue Mosque.

Hagia Sophia.

As seen from the park outside.

Sultan Ahmet.

Entrance to the Blue Mosque.

Sultan Ahmet.

The ceiling of the Blue Mosque, the most famous and greatest mosque in Istanbul.

Sultan Ahmet.

Men praying in the mosque.

Sultan Ahmet.

Man contemplating in the Blue Mosque.

The Grand Bazaar.

The Grand Bazaar is largest and busiest bazaar in whole Turkey.

The Grand Bazaar.

It consists of of great interlocked interior complex and many adjacent buildings and streets.

The Grand Bazaar.

Constantly full of people and wares of all kinds.

The Grand Bazaar.

Locals and visitors shop here alike.

The Grand Bazaar.

Turkish porcelain crafts.

As seen in Istanbul.

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Taksim.

Tram number 2 to Taxim.

Taxim square.

The place of violent 2013 protests comparable to Occupy Movement.

As seen from the ferry.

Marmara sea at night with Boshporus bridge connecting Asia with Europe in the background.

As seen from the ferry.

Dolmabace Palace, which served as the main administrative center of the late Ottoman Empire.

As seen from the ferry.

Maiden's tower, a famous lighthouse on the Boshporus.

As seen from the ferry.

Shipyard on the Marmara sea.

As seen from the ferry.

Haydarpasa (currently in reconstruction), a famous train station for all mayor Asia-bound trains.

On the Marmara sea.

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Beshiktash.

Beshiktash neighbourhood, famous for its left-wing orientation.

Food Not Bombs Istanbul.

Celtrale of the Food Not Bombs in Kadikoy, Istanbul.

As seen in Istanbul.

Insite the Topkapi Palace.

Topkapi palace.

A room that was part of harem inside one of Istanbul's palaces.

Harem.

A room that was part of harem inside one of Istanbul's palaces.

Hagia Sophia.

A landmark of Istanbul, originally build as byzantine church and later coverted to mosque, now mostly serves as a museum.

Hagia Sophia.

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As seen in Istanbul.

Boy in the traditional costume.

As seen in Istanbul.

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Beshiktash.

On a night of football derby between Beshiktash and Ferenbace, the streets are crowded with people.

Kadikoy.

Fish stall on the market.

As seen in Istanbul.

Men fishing from the bridge.

As seen from the ferry.

Galata Bridge.

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