Türkiye
Day 2: Eminönü
Day two was all about Eminönü, a vibrant district where bustling markets, historic mosques, and a boat tour on the Golden Horn or Bosphorus stole the show. This area is a true crossroads of ancient trade routes and Ottoman history, offering the perfect blend of old and new.
Egyptian/Spice Bazaar
The Egyptian Bazaar (Misir Carsisi) is the go-to spot for spices, dried fruits, and coffee. Named after the Egyptian origins of many of its goods, this bazaar and its surrounding streets are a joy to explore. Don’t expect a leisurely stroll - here, the lively atmosphere and (over)enthusiastic vendors immerse you in a colorful world of aromas and flavors.
Grand Bazaar
The Grand Bazaar is a historic icon of Istanbul, built after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople to boost the economy. Today, it’s a legendary maze of covered streets, with 22 entrances, 61 alleys, over 4.000 shops, and thousands of merchants. It feels like a world of its own - sometimes overwhelming but absolutely worth visiting if you can handle a bit of sensory overload. You can easily spend hours here!
Sahaflar Bazaar
Right next to the Grand Bazaar lies the peaceful Sahaflar Bazaar, Istanbul's hidden (second-hand) book market. We stumbled upon this square by accident, but the tranquility we found here was exactly what we needed. It’s especially a wonderful spot for literature enthusiasts. Most books are in Turkish, but you’ll occasionally find English and French collections as well.
Beyazit Mosque
Upon leaving the Sahaflar Bazaar, you’ll come across the imperial Beyazit Mosque. Completed in 1506 after five years of construction, it is the oldest selatin mosque in Istanbul. Several architects are mentioned as possible designers, but the exact identity remains unknown. The mosque features a cool, shaded courtyard, which is a welcome retreat on hot days, and an interior that is beautifully detailed and meticulously finished. Visitors are welcome daily, except during prayer times, and can explore the mosque free of charge.
Süleymaniye Mosque
From the Beyazit Mosque, it’s a bit of an uphill walk to the Süleymaniye Mosque (Süleymaniye Camii), built by Mimar Sinan between 1550 and 1557 on the highest hill of Constantinople. The mosque is part of the sprawling Süleymaniye Mosque Complex (Süleymaniye Külliyesi), which originally consisted of 15 sections, including a hospital, kitchen, school, inn, hammam, library, and more. Many of these buildings are still standing today. From the complex, you’ll enjoy panoramic views over the Beyoğlu district (see Day 3), with the Galata Tower rising prominently above the skyline. Don’t miss it! Both the mosque and its surroundings, including the small park, burial ground, and tombs, are free to visit.
Süleymaniye Cross Cultural Info Center
At the Süleymaniye Mosque, we met a volunteer from the Süleymaniye Cross Cultural Info Center, where we learned about Islam and enjoyed a (free) warm lunch in a welcoming atmosphere. We met (new) Muslims from various countries and received a goodie bag containing both English and Dutch translations of the Quran. This was the most inspiring experience of our trip - a must for anyone eager to learn and open to dialogue.
Golden Horn & Bosporus tour
Istanbul is divided by the Bosphorus and the Golden Horn. The Bosphorus, which separates Europe and Asia, connects the Black Sea to the Sea of Marmara. The Golden Horn splits the European side of the city, surrounded by vibrant neighborhoods like Eminönü on one side and Galata and Karaköy on the other. A boat tour is the perfect way to explore both waterways. We opted for a sunset cruise, but daytime tours are also available. During the trip, we enjoyed stunning views of landmarks like Dolmabahçe Palace, Rumeli Fortress, the Ortaköy Mosque, and the Bosphorus Bridge. Most tours last 2 to 3 hours.
