Most of the tourist sites of Istanbul lie in its southern peninsular region which was the old Istanbul. After the Ottoman conquest this region was called "the Fatih". Here Fatih, the conqueror, was the title given to Sultan Mehmed. The old Fatih region with its multiple mosques, schools, wooden houses must have been a charming place. Today only a few of the wooden houses survive, most were destroyed in various fires and earthquakes.
Whenever we decide to visit a new country, Sudhir obtains a copy of Lonely Planet guide of the country. He maintains that while all the latest information is available on the net, Lonely Planet remains the most reliable source. Lonely planet recommends a walk though the Fatih region to see some of the old world charm and that is what we intended to do on our third day in Istanbul.
We started from Suleymaniye Mosque, where I left in the last blog, crossing the whole complex with school, hospital etc. Walked through Kayserili Ahmedpasha Sokak which has a couple of beautiful Old Timber houses.
Had sweet boza, a fermented grain drink, at Vefa Bozacisi one of the oldest Boza shops in Vefa region. This shop has been around since 1876 must have sold a lot of boza. It was nice.
After crossing narrow winding streets filled with cats so cute that is was difficult to tear ourselves from them, we reached the magnificent arches which held the old Aqueducts of the Byzantine times. This is s series of double stories arches which were used to carry water for the city during Byzantine times.
We walked through the Fatih Monument Park with the statue of Mehmet the conqueror on a horse with his ministers.
Next lay the Women's Bazaar, a local shopping area. A number of quaint eateries and some very interesting spice shops. A lot of familiar spices and a lot which were not. Didn't / Couldn't buy any because I did not know how and where to use them. Regretting it a bit now, but I have the consolation of being able to buy them on Amazon 😏
Final stop was The Grand Bazaar with its myriad shops, brightly lit beautiful corridors, the buzz of equally loud tourists and touts. Chai shops, souvenir shops, more spice shops, and fake everything shops. This bazaar had a whole diwali vibe with all the lights, sweets and unusual curios shops. It was not an easy choice for Sudhir... which one first? The Ottoman chess-men set or Baklava or Turkish delight. Some very Kashmiri style embroidery left me puzzled initially .... but then Istanbul was on the ancient silk route and hence a unique amalgam of cultures from China to all the other cultures on the way, including Kashmir. The whole effect of the Bazaar was practically an assault on our sense.
It was Friday evening and the prayer time came to the rescue of our wallets :). We were not able to return to Grand Bazaar again during this trip. Sudhir tried, but it was Sunday that day :( else I would have the Ottoman Chess set adorning my living room.
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