Travel Experience to Istanbul, Turkey (2) - Just Menong

Constantinople, the city of the ruins of Byzantium, was the first destination outside Indonesia that became my goal. However, to be honest, I never imagined I would have the experience of traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, so quickly. 2012 became the biggest encouragement when a close friend made Umrah plus Turkey. And finally, in early 2014, my dream came true.

Istanbul, Turkey

The charm of Constantinople, or what is now known as Istanbul, Turkey, seems to never end. Millions of tourists come to visit Istanbul every year. As the former center of the Ottoman caliphate, one of the attractions emitted is the many Islamic sites that are still preserved today and have become UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Istanbul is the economic, cultural, and historical center of the Middle East. With a population of over 13 million and over 95% Muslim, Istanbul is a cultural mix between Europe and Asia. Even though the official language is Turkish, most Istanbulites can speak English, making it easier if Menong's friends don't speak Turkish.

Neatly arranged streets 

City Tour 

 

Istanbul City Atmosphere 

Constantinople, the city of Byzantine ruins, Istanbul is a tempting charm from all sides. As an area that lies across the Bosphorus in Northwestern Turkey, the Black Sea, and the Sea of ​​Marmara, Istanbul has an attractive natural beauty surrounded by fortresses that have been hundreds of years old as a witness to the history of Byzantium until the conquest of Constantinople in the 15th century.

In the modern Turkish era, Istanbul's urban planning has not changed its historical value despite the emergence of modern transportation and buildings. The people of Istanbul themselves often use open public spaces as sports and recreation facilities. Open fields are commonly found anywhere, even with complete sports facilities. Most of Istanbul's people live in apartments because land is expensive.

Of course, I only got this information as a traveling experience to Istanbul, Turkey.

Elite residential area in European Istanbul on the Bosphorus side

 

Elite shopping area in Istanbul, Asia 

The area along the Sea of ​​Marmara is famous for the Freedom Flotilla that was attacked by Israel 

Istanbul University  

Typical Turkish Culinary

Unlike tourist destinations in other countries, Istanbul does not have many fast food outlets such as McDonald's, Starbucks, and the like, so tourists are 'forced' to always eat local dishes as a stomach booster. Olives and Turkish cheese are the breakfast menu, while kebabs and cane bread are the lunch menu choices. Typical Turkish snacks are also worth trying and become memories of traveling experiences to Istanbul, Turkey.

Breakfast menu

As a true Indonesian, for me, the breakfast menu with only 'eggs and bread' tastes less 'kick,' 😁 so for those who don't 'fit' with this dish, Chinese or Indian restaurants can be used as another alternative.

Roti Cane

 

Kebabs plus rice

Turkey Travel Destinations

Natural tourism can be done by looking at the city of Istanbul on the Asian mainland from a height at Çamlıca Tepesi. With 1 TL (Turkish Lira), visitors can enjoy beautiful views through binoculars. Just like in Indonesia, even public facilities such as toilets are paid too. 😃

View of Istanbul, Asia, seen from Çamlıca Tepesi 

The Bosphorus Strait can also be traversed by ferry. Buildings and mosques with centuries-old architectural styles can be enjoyed along the way. Strong winds often hit, so the safest way is to keep wearing a jacket while on the ship. If you are not comfortable with the strong wind on deck, Menong friends can enjoy the beauty of the Bosphorus Strait in a cafe located on the ship's deck accompanied by a warm glass of typical Turkish tea for 5 TL.

The bridge across the Bosphorus Strait connecting Istanbul, Europe, and Asia
 

Ferry Ship, a means of tourist transportation in the Bosphorus Strait 

 

View of the Bosphorus Strait 

Shopping in Istanbul

Shopping tours can be done at the traditional Egyptian bazaar market, which was built in 1660. The naming is due to the abundance of Egyptian spices, although there are also many Turkish products and specialties that are sold in this market. Besides that, the Grand Bazaar can be used as another shopping destination. No need to worry about the currency to be used. Dollars, euros, or lira (Turkish lira) can be used in transactions with a conversion of $1 = 2 lira.

Many typical Turkish souvenirs can be purchased at relatively cheap prices, ranging from 1-2 TL, such as keychains. Haggling over prices is common in Turkish culture, so buyers should not hesitate to ask for a lower price. One of the Turkish words that is worth remembering when traveling to Istanbul, Turkey, is "indirim," which means 'discount'.

Shop area

Atmosphere 

 

Egyptian Bazaar, a favorite shopping destination for tourists
 

Turkish Dondurma ice cream is now widely available in various malls in Indonesia
 

Turkish silk pashmina, $10
 

Special Turkish dessert, super sweet 

Turkish souvenirs

Rug with Ottoman print for $50 

Another interesting place to visit is the Hippodrome. Originally, the Hippodrome was a racetrack and a sports and social center during the Byzantine era. Today there are no traces of horse racing left. Today, the Hippodrome area is known as Sultanahmet Square. In this area, there are still two Egyptian obelisks that were removed from the Karnak temple in Thebes, Egypt.

When I saw it, only one thing came to mind:

How could such a large stone be moved from Egypt to Turkey with simple tools centuries ago?

Egyptian obelisk

Istanbul, as one of the largest cities in Turkey, has become one of the meccas of fashion. Goat skin—lambskin leather—is Turkey's main commodity. One of the well-known boutiques in Istanbul, Kircilar, is a supplier of leather jackets for several world-renowned fashion brands. The best models and quality make the products produced very exclusive. Likewise, native Turkish jewelry such as turquoise green stones. It's just that you need a thick pocket to buy these products, considering the prices offered are not cheap.

Let's say the price ranges from 11 million rupiah for the cheapest jacket; of course it's a consideration for shopping. But that's the advantage of Turkish tourism: all foreign tourists are 'obligated' to visit these two places.

Turkish Turquoise Stone

Fashion show in Kircilar, Istanbul
 

It doesn't feel curious to go around Istanbul, an all-round tourist city. And don't forget, prepare thick clothes and boots when visiting Istanbul in early January...and maybe Menong's friends are lucky to get snow as the most epic traveling experience to Istanbul, Turkey.