Sights and Sounds of Istanbul

Our first day in Istanbul will probably start with many of us waking to the sound of the "adhan" or the Islamic call to worship. We will hear this five times a day, starting at dawn and ending at sunset.  Adhan is called out by the  muezzin (over a loudspeaker) at the numerous mosques throughout the city and it summons the Muslims for mandatory prayer.   

After breakfast we will going on a guided tour of Istanbul.  Some of the places we will visit include:
1.  Sultan Ahmed Mosque or Blue Mosque: It was built between 1609-1616 and is  also called the Blue Mosque because of the blue tiles on the walls and ceiling.

2.  Hague Sophia: From 537 - 1453 this ancient building was a Greek Orthodox cathedral. When the Ottomans conquered the city it became a mosque and remained a mosque until 1931 when it was secularized and became a museum.

3. Grand Bazaar: is one of the oldest and largest covered markets in the world. Construction began in 1455.  There are 61 covered streets and 3000 shops.

4.  Spice Bazaar: is well known as the centre of the spice trade in Istanbul and the second largest bazaar in Istanbul.

5. Hippodrome: Also known as the Hippodrome of Constantinople this area was home to chariot races.  There are a few fragments of the original structure remaining including the Serpent Column and the Obelisk.

In the afternoon we may have time to visit Galata Bridge and Tower, Topkapi Palace, Istiklal Street or other locations suggested by our Tour Director.  

Sampling local cuisine is always an interesting adventure when visiting new countries.  Here are a few items that you might be interested in trying while we are visiting Turkey.

The simit is one of Istanbul's  most beloved food items. Topped with toasted sesame seeds, the ring-shaped bread is somewhat reminiscent of a bagel, yet its inside and outer crust are far crisper and crunchier. Simit is commonly eaten at breakfast and is also a favourite snack, often accompanied by a strong glass of traditional Turkish tea. 

Simit 

Meze is a selection of small dishes served either as appetizers or the main focus of a meal.  In Istanbul, meze might include the following items: cold eggplant salad; dolma which are rice or meat stuffed vegetables; hummus; white bean salad; shepherd’s salad, a classic combination of chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, green peppers and parsley dressed with lemon and olive oil;  as well as the usual Turkish offering of olives and cheese.

Kebabs are on every menu. A kebab in general refers to meat dishes, prepared in any number of ways – roasted, grilled, stewed, ground or fried. Lamb is the most common meat used in Turkish dishes. In addition to kebab, lamb can be served in a casserole, slowed cooked in a Tandir oven, or ground into meatballs or köfte. Many restaurants in Istanbul will offer typical meat dishes with beef or chicken.

Fish is  served throughout Turkey. It is offered grilled, fried, or steamed and most often served whole. A variety of sardine only found in Turkey is also a popular dish for meze, as are mussels stuffed with pilaf and fried calamari.

Vegetable dishes are also found throughout the city. Eggplant, peppers, spinach, artichokes, tomatoes and onions are just some of the vegetables found in Turkish dishes. 

Pastries are prominent throughout Istanbul and are often filled with either savory or sweet ingredients. Börek, the most common savory pastry, is made with thin layers of phyllo dough and stuffed with cheese, ground meat or vegetables. Baklava, a sweet pastry, comes in various forms but generally consists of layers of honey soaked phyllo dough studded with walnuts or pistachios. Kadayf is another common dessert, again made with phyllo, but this time shredded and filled with sweet cheese. Lokum or Turkish delight is a candy made from chopped dates and a variety of nuts. it is sold in shops throughout the  Grand Bazaar and often served after a meal. 

Turkish Delight

Istanbul also has many different kinds of street food.  Döner kebab is one of the most popular options. Vendors have vertical spits of roasting lamb meat which is sliced to order and dressed with sauce and sometimes cheese, then wrapped in thin Lavash bread, toasted again and served. Some stalls in Istanbul now serve chicken döner topped with shredded vegetables.  The kebab is a delicious and inexpensive snack enjoyed throughout Istanbul. Another popular choice is islak hamburger, somewhere in between a burger and sloppy joe, it is ground meat doused in tomato sauce served between bread. Other vendors roast chestnuts and entire ears of corn on small charcoal grills and these are also available.  There are  many ice cream stands in the tourist areas.  It is lots of fun to watch the servers, they love to entertain the tourists. 

Doner Kebab

Roasted Corn

Tea is a popular beverage and is available throughout the day in cafes as well as on the street. Street venders typically carry large, steel containers holding tea and other beverages. Black tea is the most popular variety among locals, while many tourists prefer herbal teas, especially elma çay, or apple tea. Many retail businesses will offer shoppers small glasses of tea as a sign of hospitality.  Other popular beverages in the city include: ayran, a salty yogurt drink served in most restaurants; kefir, made with grain and milk and often flavored with fruit juices; and the famous Turkish coffee, a thicker, stronger brew than other coffee cultures.  Bottled water is also always available.

Street vendor making fresh juice