Sultan Ahmet Mosque architecture
by bugulma
The mosque is open for public visitors although the mosque is divided for prayers and tourists. The mosque is 53 meters long and 51 meters high. Cupola diameter is 33 meters. The mosque has more than 200 stained-glass windows.
Cats.
by leics
Not sure this is quite a 'local custom' but, in a way, I suppose it is.
There are cats everywhere. They aren't really feral, but neither are they family pets..they seem to live wild but be tolerated by their humans, who feed them scraps.
Most are in pretty good condition, I'm pleased to say. I only saw one or two which were clearly ill and unhappy.
There were cats everywhere I went, from Topkapi to inside Ayia sofia (must be useful for catching vermin, I think), from my hotel ( a teenage preganancy, I fear) to the restaurant-lined street nearby.
Not badly-treated, but not cosseted either.
I watched three stalk (badly) a pigeon in a courtyard at Rustem Pasa Camii, near the Spice Bazaar. They failed miserably in their endeavours (you could almost hear the feline swearing as the pigeon flew away!).
If you are a cat-lover, you may see cats which pull at your heartstrings. It is not easy, but you must accept it as part of not being in your own country......not everywhere has the same view of animals.
Weather attention
by fouads
Istanbul weather is little complex , last time i visit it on July and the waether was hot for 5 days suddenly the weather be colder and windy for 4 days and i didn,t realize that i need jacket or some thing to wear it for this , so bring some thing with you to warm you if this happen . it,s better to bring with you your pro. photo equipment cause here it little bit expensive .
It's not really that near to...
by Jo-Condon
It's not really that near to Istanbul but we travelled there on the way - Gallipoli! For any Aussie or Kiwi travelling Europe, it's a place you will never forget or regret going to. One of the most emotionally charged places I have ever been to, leave yourself heaps of time to go there because there is a lot to see and you won't want to rush about the place. Don't forget your tissues!
the best shops!
by C_C_twins about Akmerkez
its the best shopping centre in Istanbul city.There you will be able to find everything you are looking for...many tourists and locals goes there for a shopping. i must say that things are expencive in Akmerkez...make sure you have enough of $ in your wallet.