Tarihi Sultanahmet Köftecisi is one of the most historic eateries near to some of the most historic tourist attractions of Istanbul. Most tourists visiting Istanbul for the first time are likely to be staying in Sultanahmet – the area boasting Sultanahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque), Aya Sofya, Topkapı Palace and the Basilica Cistern (aka Yerebatan …
It’s little wonder that every time we walked past Palatium restaurant in Sultanahmet, it was a packed. Howling wind, driving rain – and a huge floor-to-ceiling, wall-to-wall window radiating a warm, inviting glow to the outside world. We were two of its very regular customers whilst we were in Istanbul in October, as it was …
While we certainly haven’t seen all of the prominent mosques in Turkey, Süleymaniye Camii in Istanbul is a definite favourite so far. We visited here on our first trip to Istanbul some years ago. And we’ve been trying to return since. In February 2010, we had trouped up the hill from Sultanahmet (via the lovely …
For us, the most exciting part of being in Istanbul is the food; mainly the street food. Last year, we couldn’t keep away from the deep-fried hamsi at Karaköy fish market, returning on numerous occasions over the few days we were there. When we were back in Fethiye, we drooled at the very thought of …
After reaching the Edirnekapı bus stop and having our fill of some of the tastiest köfte we’ve ever had, we felt warmed inside and confident that we couldn’t be too far away from the the special building we were searching for: The present day Kariye Mosque or Kariye Camii. About Kariye Mosque Formerly the Byzantine …
The Turks are very proud of their coffee and describe Turkish coffee as their gift to the world. Ask anyone in Turkey what the most famous brand of Turkish coffee is and, without hesitation, the reply will be Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi. These days, under the ownership of Mehmet Efendi’s grandchildren, Kurukahveci Mehmet Efendi is an …
Six years ago we visited the amazing city of Istanbul for the first time, no doubt with the same aim as every other first-time visitor to the city; we wanted to see Sultanahmet Camii (the Blue Mosque), Topkapı Palace Museum, Aya Sofya (Haghia Sophia) and the eerie Basilica Cistern. They were on our must-see list. …
Ever heard, or even said, the phrases, ‘It’s full of tourists. I don’t go there. It’ll be too expensive.’ Well, if you skip these places, you could well be missing out, as we found out when we went to Istanbul in October. This is a photo of the famous Çiçek Pasajı (Flower Passageway) along Istiklal …
So what is this special snack I’m about to tell you about? Hmm, is it special? It’s certainly different! I’m referring to the Islak Hamburger. ‘Islak ‘ is the Turkish word for ‘wet.’ Or ‘damp’. Or ‘sloppy’. You get the idea, this is a Wet, Damp, Soggy Burger. You can see why it aroused our …
While the historic tram that trundles up and down Istiklal Caddesi all day long may be one of the little pieces of nostalgia that make up Beyoğlu (and a free ride for the kids who cling to the back of it), for us, the Tünel funicular is an absolute necessity. Walking down the hill towards …