Istanbul walking tour
‘Out beyond ideas
of wrongdoing and rightdoing,
there is a field.
I’ll meet you there.’
Jelaluddin Rumi, 13th century
Byzantium, Constantinople, Stamboul are all different names of the giant that everyone today knows as Istanbul. Many things have been written about that cosmopolitan city. Many stories have been told and many more will be in the future since the city is an endless source of information.
When thinking about Istanbul, it always seems to conjure up many faces in my head. It looks like one of those dragons from the fairy-tales that have many heads. Each one of them living its own life and still they are in perfect harmony and peace. Istanbul is the Romans, the Ottomans and the modern Turks of today. Mevlana had never been to Istanbul but he is part of the city as well, just like he is part of whole Turkey. Istanbul private tours Mevlevi
Feel Istanbul
Close your eyes now and try to imagine the huge dragon with the different heads. Can you see Istanbul? Our dragon, in fact is Istanbul. Not a terrifying on, however. Not at all. On one side, is the Byzantium head representing Haghia Sophia, the Cistern, the City Walls and the Hippodrome. On the other side, is the Topkapi Palace, the Dolmabahce Palace, the Blue Mosque. And then comes the third head – the head of the spirit, of the soul. The head that reveals a different Turkey to us. Turkey of Mevlana and the whirling dervishes. “… there is a field. I’ll meet you there.” I’ll meet you in Istanbul.
Mevlana is a symbol of love and tolerance. And the dervishes are members of the Mevlevi Order of Sufis. They are the creation of Mevlana. They are the ‘turners’ or ‘dervishes’ who symbolise their religious beliefs by means of their ecstatic dance. This dance is a prayer. It is an attempt for a closer relationship with God. A spiritual journey of the soul.
Walk Istanbul, the dragon
A walk on the busiest street of Istanbul, Istiklal Caddesi (Independence Avenue), on the other hand, means time spent in a nice way, while having Istanbul walking tour. It brings pleasure not only to the soul but to people’s senses as well. Istiklal Street is the heart of Beyoglu, the more modern district of Istanbul built during the 19th century. The city’s most popular strolling, shopping and snacking street, which begins at Taksim Square, the hub of modern Istanbul. The street is good for shopping, strolling, people-watching, dinner in a nice restaurant.
The street takes you to the oldest existing underground train in continental Europe, the Tunnel, and second-oldest in the world after the London Underground. From there, one can visit the second largest covered market after the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul. This is the Spice Bazaar or Misir Carsisi where smells and colours mix in a great way to tease one’s senses. In addition, I can say that you can enjoy tours Turkey tastes and flavours as well.
Shopping in Istanbul
Istanbul is a cosmopolitan city, a great historical and cultural centre. It is also a great place for shopping. Spice Bazaar, where you can spice your life up or the Grand Bazaar. Since Grand Bazaar is the first shopping centre in the world and a living museum as well, it is always a highly attractive place for visitors. It was one of the most important projects of the Ottoman Empire’s economy. The idea of the Sultan was by building this big bazaar, to have income which would support the construction of Haghia Sophia.
Unknown or less known places, stunning views, unforgettable experiences as well as friendly people, Turkey exposes itself as a wonderful an mysterious place. Not only Istanbul is a mixture of culture, history, religions, warmth. Although that huge city hides everything of Turkey in itself, there are still places around that fertile country that can attract your soul as well. Sightseeing tours Ephesus reveals a different and lively world to you. A Greco-Roman world that still keeps many secrets waiting to be unveiled.
Just like the enigma called Istanbul.
Get on the wings of Istanbul walking tour and enjoy the flight. It takes nothing. Only patience to explore not only that giant but whole Turkey as well. Hey, also a contact us click.
Bosphorus Tours
Istanbul Private Tours Mevlevi
