During our trip to Turkey we visited Istanbul twice, on our way in and then out of the country. On our second visit we decided to stay in a quaint hotel in the Beyoglu region around the famous Galata Tower. Little did we realize that the hotel was on a steep incline. In order to get to the tramline (read: sea level) one needed to go down about 30 feet and Taksim square was about 40 ft uphill. The narrow lanes deter taxis or any public transport so one just has to just walk it.
Well, we proceeded to explore the Istiklal Caddessi (street) and the Taksim Meydan ( Square). Istiklal street is a very beautiful street lined with old buildings and cafes and shopping areas and vintage trams running down the street. It is very popular with the tourists also.
They go window-shopping, sit in the cafes sipping chai or coffee or late in the evening flock to the number of root-top eateries. Some of the side squares of Istiklal street were also very beautiful, one could sit and have a meal while absorbing the beauty of the place.
Taksim Square has another huge Mosque the Taksim Camii and an imposing freedom monument in the center. Very relaxed atmosphere, you can sit around have roasted chestnuts or grab a Simit sandwich from the kiosks, and of course as many sweets and herbal teas and you name whatever.
From Taksim, we took the funicular to go down to the sea level. Having taken the flight from Izmir on the same morning, we were tired and wanted to go to the hotel to get some rest. While climbing up-to the hotel we came across a beautiful little staircase called Camondo stairs which was designed by a french architect. The wavy staircase was a popular place for wedding photographs also :).
Our knees were screaming from this arduous climb and we realized that we cannot do this again (we changed our hotel the next morning). Yet, we could not have left without a close look at the iconic Galata tower where we headed for dinner.
Galata Tower was built in the Byzantine period by emperor Justinian as a
watch tower. It was destroyed during one of the crusades and the
presently standing tower was built in 1204. It has served as a prison, a fire lookout and at present is a museum. On top is the lookout
gallery offering full view of the neighboring regions which gets very crowded at sunset. The tower was closed for renovation but the lanes around it were bustling with cafes offering food from all over the world. A number of Instagram stars were busy taking pictures with Galata tower in the background.
Post dinner walk was very rewarding. We came to a square with a local
crowd sitting and watching a local volleyball team match on a huge
screen put up right in the square. There was lots of cheering for the home team. No tourists here, just the local crowd. Reminded me of the
screenings of football matches in the cafes (even in the University
lecture hall) in Italy and watching a particularly interesting
football match in a local pub in France.
Subscribe by Email
Follow Updates Articles from This Blog via Email
No Comments