Places that are a rip off
by NYTim
They are nice to see, but -- 10 YTL for the Galata Tower elevator not worth it. 10 YTL for the Cistern fantastic for ten minutes -- a rip off. And avoid the Hop on Hop off bus. Most of the time is spent in deisel fume choked traffic and there is nothing to see that the tram will not take you to Watching the people fish on the Galata Bridge was nice and relaxing.
The young people
by manuelEB
I was getting into Topkapi. They were coming out.
They were the Red Army ( Trotsky would be proud of them) that filled all the touristc places in Istanbul. Still have not idea if there were inter-highs or inter-colleges but who cares. The importan, the relevant thing is that Istanbul welcomed the turkish young people and that they surely hadfun, like we had. smiling faces all around. The flirtting between youngers. The wish to be part of the team.
Tea anyone?
by ddevronn
Tea is an unbreakable habbit in Turkey. It is also a way of socilaising. You will be offered tea while shopping, waiting, or just for conversation. Although it is not extremely rude not to accept, it still makes them feel self concious. It does not mean that you have to buy something or that you absolutely have to talk to them. It is just a way of welcoming you.
Turkish tea may be strong for most foreigners. In that case ask for "açýk çay" (ach-uhk chay) meaning light tea.
Convenient Asian side trip
by jfpessoa
The town of Uskudar on the Asian side was the traditional gathering point for pilgrimages to Mecca, and it became the site of several famous mosques erected by powerful female members of the imperial family over the centuries - Iskele Mosque, Atik Valide Mosque, Yeni Valide Mosque and the "Tiled Mosque." The Atik Valide Mosque is open only during prayer hours, which is not an appropriate time for sightseeing, however, a well connected guide can get you admitted by appointment at other times. This mosque was designed by Sinan, was built for Nur Banu, a Venetian and the first imperial wife and mother to rule the empire from the harem.
The Atik Valide is decorated with classic Iznik tiles, some of which were pried off the walls and ended up for sale at Sotheby's in London. They were returned, but a few were destroyed during the theft.
In the arcaded courtyard behind the mosque there is an attractive ablutions fountain. The large tree next to the fountain has been packed with clay to keep it stable, but it was at one time used by a shoemaker for his shop.
The tomb of the sultan's mother, Gulnus, at the mosque Yeni Valide, is roofless because she had asked to be buried where she would be "bathed by the rain." Behind the Yeni Valide mosque a very old haman is being reconstructed, and a beautiful outside fountain that is part of it can be seen as one leaves the mosque via the courtyard.
Ferries connect Istanbul and Uskadar.
Uskadar
by leffe3
Uskadar is on the Asian side of the Bospherous. As there are few obvious sights on this side, many only take the ferry trip across to experience 'Asia'. But its worth simply wandering round the streets, stumbling across mosques, local food markets and, perhaps even more rewarding, the famed wooden buildings that have not been restored (many into hotels) as they have in the Sultanhamet area of the city. You will also see considerably more Turks than tourists simply going about their business. Combine the trip with the fantastic Kanaat Lokantasi restaurant or fish onone of the boats bobbing around on the Bospherous.