The city called Istanbul is divided in two. Half of Istanbul is located in Asia, while the other half is in Europe. This makes Istanbul the only city in the world located on two continents. The two halves are separated by the Bosphorus Strait, a long body of temperamental water that connects the Black Sea with the Sea of Marmara.
The whole concept of one city on two continents is amazing to this Unseasoned Traveler, but what is even more amazing is how closely the past and the present exist side by side here. Reminders of the bygone eras of Sultans and harems are scattered throughout the city and mingle with modern housing and traffic jams.
Colorful mosques abound, and they are all equally beautiful. Neatly manicured grounds surround the larger mosques, and families take advantage of nice weather and lovely, parklike settings to gather early and stay well after dark.
The Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque ( originally a Byzantine church) and the Blue Mosque are located directly across the square from one another in the center of the European side of Istanbul. Together, in one place, they make a spectacular sight….here the Hagia Sophia draws warmth from the sun…
while the Blue Mosque becomes, if possible, even more blue.
Vendors selling freshly roasted street corn park themselves on the square and adjacent streets, but this traveler’s favorite is the Turkish bagel….of which I have only positive comments. This bagel is not as large as it looks; three could easily be eaten in an afternoon. The hard, crunchy outside is covered in sesame seeds; the inside is soft and challengingly chewy. You can get it slathered with Nutella, but I prefer it plain or with soft butter….totally wonderful!!!
There is a wealth of sights to see in Istanbul. Topkapi Palace was built in the classic Ottoman style. The royal residence is lush and exotic. The palace served as the seat of government for almost 400 years, and was also the location of the imperial harem. It is said that there were so many women housed in the harem, that many of them never even saw the Sultan in their lifetime…spending a lifetime only knowing the company of other women and eunuchs.
Istanbul sights to behold don’t just reflect the time of the Sultans, but also the Romans. Basilica Cistern is an enormous subterranean water filtration system. It is made up of a vast grove of marble columns. The 336 salvaged columns came form other buildings, as the Romans were the ultimate masters of repurposing resources. The cistern provided water for many buildings in the city, but now it is host to the curious who love the different carvings, the murky water, modern sculptures and the eerie lighting.
This ancient block of Medusa’s head was place upside down by the Romans…possibly in an effort to take her power away from her.
This modern rendering of Medusa has no fear …
…..and even casts her threatening shadow on the wall of the cistern. I, personally, believe she was misunderstood.
The modern, vital Istanbul was not lost on this Unseasoned Traveler, and so I am sharing what is on the pulse of some of the citizens of that city and what gave me much to think about in the subsequent days of this junket. A demonstration supporting the citizens of Palestine took place on the Hippodrome which is a large plaza where Roman chariot races were held while I was there. This wasn’t a large demonstration by a long shot, but it was passionate, peaceful, highly visible and certainly audible with participation growing in the course of the day. Of particular significance was that women made up the majority of the demonstrators.
And of particular note, the entirety of Istanbul is ruled by an impressive population of cats. Yup!!! There’s not a place one can go in Istanbul where cats are not in charge. Indeed, the citizens of this city have the utmost regard for the felines. Cats can be discovered at Topkapi, the palatial palace of Ottoman Sultans.
Cats can also be found begging like dogs at restaurants.
Where humans are not allowed to wear shoes, cats are regularly seen reclining on the plush carpets of many mosques… like this cute, sleepy guy.
Many cats have excellent taste and only shop in upscale stores.
While other cats, having more modest shopping habits, frequent the bazaars.
Istanbul is busy, busy, busy. The city does not sleep. Eating LATE and drinking apple tea over a chit chat is the way of life. The best meal I had in Istanbul was at a restaurant we found down a colorful, little sideway.
The place was friendly and efficient….and totally cost effective….for $11.00 USD, three people a can eat well. Be advised…they only serve one thing…lamb …yummy.
Although I enjoyed Istanbul’s daylight hours, the city becomes magical at night. See for yourself!!!
Next stop….Roma…where Bruce, Ashleigh and I will meet Sarah….sooooooo exciting….
Love, The Unseasoned Traveler
Jackie's Junkets 
So grateful to read that you are traveling again, Jackie! You chose an amazing city and country to visit! I loved Semit, too. Especially watching the men that sell them in the residential neighborhoods wearing them on their heads!!
Enjoy your family reunion, safe travels. Hoping that we can get together in 2024
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Hi, there…how are your knees? Mine have improved vastly…sure thing for 2024….where ever we both are….j
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Great pictures
Get Outlook for Androidhttps://aka.ms/AAb9ysg ________________________________
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Thanks for reading
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Unseasoned Traveler – Welcome back. You were missed. Great blog. Great adventure in Istanbul. Can’t wait for the next blog about Roma.
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Thanks for reading, Bruce
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What an awesome trip! After reviewing your comments and beautiful photos, I’ll have to add Istanbul to my bucket list!
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Thanks, Cousin….so many adventures….so little time
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hey
cool blog 🙂 will give it a follow and a like !
https://ketodietrecipes.co.uk/
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Hey there! Came across your post on the WordPress feed and couldn’t resist saying hello. I’m already hooked and eagerly anticipating more captivating posts. Can’t seem to find the follow button, haha! Guess I’ll have to bookmark your blog instead. But rest assured, I’ll be keeping an eye out for your updates!
may i leave a link to my blog here? feel free to post a comment on my site and leave your link 🙂 helps both our sites !!
Hope to see your comment soon 🙂
https://pomeranianpuppies.uk/2023/04/19/do-pomeranians-get-along-with-other-dogs/
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Girlfriend, I’ve missed you..this was the only one I got if you wrote others..I love your fabulous pictures and descriptions..love you..
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This is the only post so far…it was a challenging adventure…and I brought a visitor home with me…covid….talk to you in about a week
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Fabulous pictures and commentary.
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Hi, Ellen…..happy to see you
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Looks amazing – thanks for sharing your travels!
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Thanks for reading, Grace!
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good read
Have A Great Day Ahead – Melissa
Over 50 Delicious Keto Recipes – http://www.ketodietrecipes.co.uk
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great post – thanks !!
Download 50 Amazing Keto Recipes –> https://ketodietrecipes.co.uk/
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I enjoyed reading your travelogue Jackie! My Folks went to Istanbul years ago and I’ve wanted to go — now all the more for having read your piece.
Gary ________________________________
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Gary, thanks for reading the blog….your interest means a lot to me….look for more to come….j.
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Jackie, I loved every vivid tidbit from your post on Istanbul and hope you’re over Covid. Not sure if you’re currently in Rome or if you’ve been back to Florence, but I will eagerly await your next post. 🙂
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Hi, Robyn…..thanks for the gracious comments….next post is on the way….in spite of my unwelcome visitor.
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hey
lovely blog hope all is well
happy blogging.
https://ketodietrecipes.co.uk/
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hanks, Keto Queen…best wishes to you also…..j
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Hey there! We absolutely love reading people’s blogs and the thoughtful content that creators like you share . Your unique experiences enhances the vibrant online community that we all cherish . Keep writing and connecting your audience, because your creativity can make a significant impact on the world. We can’t wait to discover what you’ll share next!
Thanks- Jason
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Thanks, Jason
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Thanks, Jason…please continue to read…j
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hey
cool blog 🙂 will give it a follow and a like !
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