Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul, Turkey
Originally uploaded by SaurabhA.

Dates: October 12th to 16th

Istanbul is definitely one of the most interesting cities I've ever visited. The blending of east and west, European and Asian, and Islam and Christianity is amazing to see and be a small part of. We only got to spend five days in Istanbul, and we certainly could have used a few more days to really experience all Istanbul has to offer. Istanbul was originally founded as a Greek city-state, it then became the heart of the Eastern Roman empire (Constantinople), and finally the heart of the influential Ottoman Empire.

Here is a brief overview of our stay.

Wednesday:
Dinner in Sultanhamet
Walked around Hippodrome (Ramazan festival)
Thursday:
Hagia Sophia
Grand Bazaar
Suleymaniye mosque (pic2, pic3)
Valens Aquaduct
Traditional Ramazan dinner in hotel
Friday:
Bospherus cruise (Dolmabahce palace, Fishing Village, Black Sea)
Some time at the Hippodrome (Ramazan festival)
Evening at Istiklal
Dinner at Sarabi
Saturday:
Topkapi Palace
Grand Bazaar
Spice Bazaar
Galata Tower
Sunday:
Blue Mosque
Basilica Cistern