We take the tram west of Sultanahmet to Çemberlitaş. Passing Hagia Sofia and the Blue Mosque on our left, we climb the hill and exit at the Column of Constantine, built on the orders of the Roman emperor in 330 AD.
Crowds swarm around the entrance of the Grand Bazaar and the adjacent Atik Ali Pasha Mosque is in prayer, so we walk east, alighting atop the Pierre Loti Terrace. It is our first time seeing Istanbul with some elevation, spectacular views in all directions, particularly north up the Bosphorus, west towards the Bazaar and southeast the Blue Mosque.
Another first, Raki, the anise-flavored alcohol of choice in Turkey. Known as Lion’s Milk, the clear liquid turns white when mixed with water and ice. I develop a fondness for it, but wisely consume in moderation.
We return to the mosque, sit for some time, take a few pictures. Then into the Grand Bazaar, covering just a tiny fraction of it’s massive footprint. Ali Sun loves the lights, only the closing of the bazaar allows me to pry her loose.
It gets dark as we walk through the hippodrome promenade. The half moon rises to the west as lights illuminate centuries-old minarets, obelisks and cisterns. Istanbul settles into night-time, a calm respite before the nightlife takes hold.
Comments 5
Don’t lose Ali Sun in that Grand Bazaar!
I have some Raki in the closet and do enjoy it from time to time. Love the anise/licorice flavored liqueurs.
So cool you guys are getting this experience to travel the world.
Be well.
Cheers,
Bert
Suza – I won’t, I promise. Bert – might have to bust that out if I get homesick for Turkey!
Tyler, thanks for reassuring us! I so enjoy all your adventures and the romance of it all. Yours is truly a “love story” in the best sense!
So love the aesthetic of Istanbul – thanks for sharing your experience, Tyler. (Bert Berchman, with the mention of Raki and other ‘anise-flavored’ liquors — Sambucca, Anisette, Ouzo — I’m thinking that anise must be a powerful digestive aid . . . off to check on that . . . ; )